The Arrival (Birthright Trilogy #1) (30 page)

Sian studied Elena. She was in absolute awe of the woman whose aura shone with power. About Loi’s height with dark olive skin and large, almond shaped eyes that you’d expect to be brown, yet instead were a brilliant blue. Elena was stunning. The dark blue costume she wore was beautiful too, and appeared to be cross between a robe and a dress, with a deep cowl neckline and fitted long sleeves.

Elena smiled at Sian who flushed at being caught staring, then the Sorceress excused the Generals and adviser. They bowed low to her, then to Alek, and left. Sian watched curiously.

I wonder why they singled Alek out?

Kassie could feel Lucky squirming in her bag and hoped they would be shown to their rooms soon.

'Alek, why don’t you and the other men see that the griffons are well settled in. I know they’ll want to rest.' Elena smiled at Alek and then turned her attention to the women.

Kassie froze for a moment. Elena’s gaze felt like it went right through you, seeing everything. She nervously licked her lips. A flash of blue darted past Elena and Kassie’s jaw dropped at the sight of the slender blue haired woman who’d just leapt into Gredel’s waiting arms and smothered him in kisses.

Blue hair, she thought in astonishment. That woman has blue hair, even her eyebrows appeared a shade of blue.

I must be tired.

'If you ladies will follow me, I will show you to your rooms.' Elena glanced at them and turned to a door in the turret.

Kassie felt another twinge of nerves as they walked away from the men and griffons who launched back into the air.

Cat caught her eye and the two exchanged an anxious look.

I wish the guys had been able to stay with us a bit longer, she thought, and with a sigh, followed the others through the doorway.

Round and round and round they went, and Kassie kept her hand on the wall as they descended. The walls were smooth, a glistening white rock and little niches in either side of the stairwell had glowing lamps tucked in them, providing a gentle light. Finally, they reached the ground and were ushered across a paved yard and into the castle. Elena led them into another turret, and they climbed to the second story. Groups of people were gathered about and stopped their conversation to stare at the girls as they came out.

It looked like we were the evening’s entertainment. I tried to put a smile on my face but failed. No one smiled at us. Just stared. I wonder who Alek had us looking presentable for? It can’t be these people. I stared at the gorgeous fabrics the women wore. Opulent velvets and silks crafted into exquisite dresses. The men wore simple styles: tunics, slacks, and blazers, in rich jewel tones.

Beautiful clothes.
They made me feel shoddy in comparison. Elena greeted them then continued on. I was relieved. I could feel them staring after us as we left, but resisted the urge to look.

Polite much, thought Loi, what a rude bunch, I wonder why? Elena led them through a maze of corridors and Loi studied it all, trying to memorize the way. The corridors were large and quiet, only the occasional servant hurried past them. All paused, and bowed to Elena then cast curious glances at the girls.

Now this is what a castle should look like, Sian thought, studying their surroundings in awe. She’d been to a couple of castles in England and Wales, but this place put them to shame. Even as exhausted as she was she couldn’t help noticing the expert workmanship. All the walls gleamed white and the floor was a dark polished wood. They passed dozens of doors as they hurried after the Sorceress.

Elena finally stopped in front of a large set of double doors and opened them.

'This is your suite,' she announced and gestured for us to go in.

I felt my eyes go wide at the sight of the very large room.

Nice!
Four double beds were set out, two in each corner heads almost touching. One under the window and the other against the wall; all dressed up with quilts and pillows. A sigh slipped out of me at the thought of a soft, comfortable bed and the others chuckled. Two large dressers stood in the middle of the room, back to back, and two armoires were against the wall beside either door.

Elena watched as we looked around the room and then cleared her throat. We turned, and she walked over to a door in the far right wall.

'This is your wash room. I do recommend having a bath or shower either early morning, or late evening as there is usually more heated water then.'

We squeezed together to peek past her at a proper—make that HUGE—en suite. Was nothing in this place a regular size?

Giving us a moment as we gazed about our suite, Elena said, 'I know you will want to crawl into bed so I won’t keep you any longer. Someone will be by your room tomorrow morn to bring you to breakfast. There are clothes in each of the armoires that should fit you. We’ll talk properly after breakfast. Sleep well.'

Sian and Laura dashed for the wash room as soon as the door closed behind Elena. Kassie and I rolled eyes at each other and decided to pick beds instead. We discovered that in the left corner each bed had a smaller bed beside it, one for Audi and the other for Lucky whom Kassie let out. The little cat meowed and then stretched out while trying to bunt heads with Audi who was excited to see her friend out and about. We showed them their beds and left them to explore the room. I wandered to one of the armoires and opened it. It was cram packed full of clothing, all in beautiful fabrics. I gently ran a hand over them.

Must have a good look tomorrow when I’m actually awake, I thought, and turned back to Kassie who sat on the end of a bed, looking around.

'It seems so quiet,' Kassie nearly whispered. 'I wish I’d known we weren’t seeing the guys again tonight, I would liked to have said good night.'

Cat nodded sympathetically.

'Me too.'

The door to the wash room opened and Sian and Loi came out, looking relaxed and clean, wrapped in towels.

'Your turn,' Sian sang out as she sat down on one of the beds in the right corner.

I swear that bed was the best thing ever when I sunk into it after cleaning up. The mattress molded itself to me and a groan of pleasure slipped out of my mouth. I blushed hotly as the others started laughing.

'Cat you sound indecent.' Loi teased me.

'Maybe you and your mattress should get a room,' suggested Sian.

'Shudup. I’m allowed to appreciate a good mattress.'

Kassie had us in stitches when she replied, 'Yes but not while we’re here please.'

I rolled over and reached a hand down to Audi, curled up on her bed. She shifted then gave my hand a quick lick and settled back down with a sigh.

The sun woke me the next morning and I stretched out, delighting in the size of the bed. I’d slept like the dead last night and felt fantastic for it. Glancing around, I saw the others were still asleep.

Oooo but they’ll wake up soon, better be quick!
I clambered on top of my covers and reached over to shake Kassie awake.

'Kassie,' I hissed.

'Wha?'

'Quick wake up. Let’s get the wash room first.'

Kassie’s eyes shot open and she rolled over to stare at me for a moment. 'Right!'

We both scrambled off our beds and raced for the bathroom, not trying to be quiet at all.

Loi sat bolt upright.

'Sian! They beat us.'

She reached over to swat Sian who mumbled at her.

'You said you’d wake up no problem,' Loi accused.

Cat and Kassie laughed as they shut the door. Loi scowled at Sian. It was a useless gesture as she’d had gone straight back to sleep as soon as the others locked themselves in the washroom. Flinging her covers off, she stood and stretched hard.

Mmmm that felt good
—then she broke off laughing at the sight of Audrey doing the same thing.

'How are you Audrey girl,' she cooed to the dog who ducked her head then cosyed up to her. The dog’s long tongue caught her on the nose.

'Ewwww,' she giggled and wiped her nose.

'C’mon Audi lets check out what’s in the closet and pick what I’m wearing today.'

Loi was impressed with the selection and quality of clothes she found. A lot of the clothes were made in a wrap style so they would fit several sizes and there were a number of beautifully embroidered long belts. In the end she settled upon an indigo, long sleeved wrap top, and black pants. A red belt and a delicate pair of black slippers completed the look. Satisfied she set the clothing at the end of her bed and waited for the others to come out.

As soon as we were out the bathroom Loi shot past us, sleepily followed by Sian. Audrey greeted me then sat back on her heels to "yell".

'Shush shush noisy girl.' I scolded her and she hung her head sheepishly at me.

'Inside voice Audi,' I reminded her then pulled her into a hug, ruffling her fur.

I headed for an armoire and looked back at Kassie, fussing over Lucky.

'Come pick out something to wear with me Kass.'

She wandered over, allowing the cat to steal her spot on the bed. We gushed over the clothes and eventually chose something to wear. I sat at one of the dressers and ran a brush through my hair; it was funny being able to look in a mirror again.

Those horrid butterflies had returned to my stomach, and I fidgeted with the items on the dresser, placing them in groups.

I wish I knew what was happening.
I sighed, if only the waiting was over already. My brain was in complete overdrive coming up with wild theories on what Elena wanted with us, and what if Alek did have a girlfriend or wife here? What if he’d used me and I’d completely misjudged his actions?

I stood and paced around the room, distracting myself by admiring the architecture. It was very classic, the white stone with dark wood accents. Audi paced with me, sensing my mood and whined. I flopped on my bed and she leapt up beside me, tail wagging.

'Sorry pup,' I ruffled her fur. 'I just hate waiting, I want it over. I want to know what’s going to happen and man are those two taking a long time.'

Kassie laughed, 'Aren’t they just. I think they’ll be responsible for the water shortage today.'

'How can you be so calm?' Cat demanded. She sat on her bed, legs crossed, knees bouncing in agitation.

Kassie shrugged.

'You know how it is, one of us freaks and the other is cool with it. We’ll find out shortly. Patience is a virtue.' She winked at Cat.

I snorted in annoyance at her patronizing tone and crawled across the bed to peer out the window.

Whoa.
Our windows overlooked what must be the inner courtyard. Like the rest of this place it was huge. It looked more like a park.

I gazed down at the beautiful canopy. It was a mass of colors; green, gold, crimson, and silver. Shuffling closer I put my elbows on the windowsill, head in hands, as I gazed about.

So much bush, very pretty. I wonder if the guys live in the castle? Maybe they have their own places, I would.
I looked higher, staring over at the Anguem Range and the dense forest that led to the mountains. It made me think of my family’s cabin.

That's what I’d do. I’d build a little cabin in the bush for myself, I thought. Tears slipped down my cheeks, but I didn’t make a sound. I didn’t want to upset Kassie.