Lucky Charm (Reverse Fairytales Book 2)(8)
The Trip to Thalia
The six white horses that pulled our carriage over the rugged mountain roads between Thalia and Silverwood looked like anything but the beauties they had been when we set off. Cold, wet, March weather combined with mud had turned them into woeful bedraggled creatures. The horses of the guards in front and the ones that followed hadn’t fared much better. On a good day, the journey would take two full days to get to Luca’s parents’ palace, but we were already on our fourth day and no closer to getting there. We probably would have been there much sooner if I hadn’t insisted on stopping for plenty of rest breaks and long nights in cozy inns. No one complained. The guards were glad to be out of the rain, and the horses were happy for the chance to rest their feet. Luca, on the other hand, was getting anxious. The path between the two kingdoms was usually safe, but with the mess my father had made in Silverwood, he was worried that the Magi might try to stop us in some way.
“The guards will keep us safe,” I said for the hundredth time. This was the part of the journey he was most worried about. The path through the mountains provided a haven of hiding places for anyone who wanted to accost the royal carriage and was notorious for hiding thieves and highwaymen. We’d kept the visit as low key as possible, but it had somehow gotten out via the media which is why Luca was biting his nails and staring out of the window. “How far do we have left to go?” I asked. Anything to take him out of his thoughts.
“Another half day if we get through these mountains alive.”
I looked out. It was so dreary and damp that anyone wanting to hurt us wouldn’t need to hide in a cave. The fog was so thick that they could be standing ten feet away, and we wouldn’t see them.
I sighed. I’d been looking forward to this trip ever since Luca had first mentioned it, but we weren’t even there yet, and I was wishing it was all over. I knew that once we got out of the miserable weather and to the palace, we’d both feel better, but I was beginning to think that would never happen.
Despite my constant reassurance to Luca that we would be alright, I felt nervous myself. His nerves had put me on edge, and with every minute that passed, I expected someone to jump out at us. An hour of silently peering out the window later, the fog lifted. The sun finally peeked through, showing the most wonderful vista ahead of us. As we were so high up in the mountains, I could see for miles. Thalia was spread out before me in glorious Technicolor.
“Wow!” I breathed as the carriage crested the mountain and began the long descent.
“I told you Thalia was gorgeous in the spring. The flowers really make it something don’t they?”
And they did. It was like a multicolor patchwork quilt was laid out below us as fields and fields of flowers bloomed.
Luca had moved over to my side and was visibly more relaxed than he had been for the previous part of the journey. He put his arm around me as we followed the steep road to his home.
“See over there?” He pointed to a huge building in the distance. Made of pale grey stone with hundreds of turrets topped with red slates, it rose majestically from the beautiful landscape surrounding it. “That’s my home.”
I gasped at the enormity of it. I’d thought my own palace was huge, but it was nothing compared to this magnificent building. Just the sight of it took my breath away.
“It’s certainly something. It looks like the jewel in Talia’s crown.”
Luca kissed my cheek playfully. Now that we had gotten through the mountains without incident, his demeanor had returned to normal.
“I’ve never heard it described like that, but you are right. I missed this place.”
I’d forgotten how hard it must be for him. He’d not been home once since the ball. When I’d picked him out of the hundred men, he’d had someone bring more clothes and his belongings and had stayed at the palace in Silverwood ever since.
“I’m sorry we didn’t visit sooner,” I said, meaning every word of it.
“We’ve been busy,” replied Luca. “Don’t worry. We’re here now.”
He was as giddy as a schoolboy for the rest of the journey, and even though I was cold and tired, his enthusiasm was infectious.
After a couple of more hours, we finally pulled through the massive wrought iron gates of the Thalian Castle. The carriage was directed under a portcullis, through an archway to a massive courtyard where four uniformed guards were waiting for us.
I’d barely stepped out of the carriage when Queen Sarina ran up to me. She threw her arms around me and squashed me against her bosom.
“Darlings!” She let go and hugged her second son. I’m so glad to see you both. Was the journey dreadful? This awful rain has lasted for weeks. I’ll be glad when it’s summer again.
“The rain helps the flowers!” King Theron clapped his wife on the back and then did the same to Luca. “The Thalian flowers are our biggest export you know!” He gave me a wink making me blush.
I’d met them both on two occasions. Once when they came to visit Luca and the second time when they’d come to the coronation. On the first occasion, I’d found Sarina to be sweet but quiet and Theron to be loud and boorish. Now, in their own castle, they seemed transformed. Sarina practically dragged me into the palace, chattering away about how worried she’d been about us all.
I was directed to a beautiful apartment within the castle. It opened into a large sitting room with a beautiful bright pink floral sofa and matching chair. To one side, a door led to the most luxurious bedroom I’d ever seen with a bed that was, at least, twice the width of my bed at home. I was sure it could comfortably fit five people in it. There was also a bathroom with a round tub, and there was even a small kitchen.