Page 80

"And who might this be?" she inquired with a hum.

"Eliah," I replied before Levon could introduce me. "I'm guessing you're Tazina, with the best sweets around?"

They both smiled at me, and she extended her hand. "What an honor to meet such a strong woman. You'd better be keeping Levon in line—he needs it," she teased, giving me a wink as she returned behind the counter. I couldn't help but smile as Levon smirked in agreement.

"Now, what suits your fancy?" Tazina asked, gesturing to the mouth watering array of treats.

Everything. Everything suits my fancy.

She must have read my mind, for she said, "How about a bit of everything? I've got several fresh batches in the back that need to be eaten today, and I'm sure your friend will want some, too."

With that, she disappeared into the back, the door swinging shut behind her.

"She knows Kaizen?" I whispered.

"She knows I'm always traveling with someone," Levon replied.

"And that someone couldn't have been me?" I remarked, feeling a twinge of irritation. He squeezed my hand and leaned back against the counter, a pearly grin spreading across his face.

"You do ask too many questions," he smirked, reminiscing about our first meeting and my endless barrage of inquiries. I rolled my eyes, and he squeezed my hand again, sending a rush of warmth through my veins.

Tazina emerged with two gray boxes and handed them to Levon. "On the house, just make sure you stop by often. I miss our chats—" Before she could finish, a person walked in, the bell cutting her off. "I'll see you two soon!" She turned toward the man as we walked out with a wave.

"Chats, hm?" I said, opening the box to reveal pastries Calum would have killed for. I took one out, covered in red chocolate and flaked with a drizzle of cream. My tongue sparked with joy at the sweet taste, and I had to restrain myself from grabbing another.

"She came to help in the kitchen several times for one of the many parties King Thealor threw, and I was to be her escort home," Levon explained before biting into a golden crispy bun dusted with powdered sugar.

We continued our walk, devouring most of the pastries and laughing off the fearful impending uncertainties. As we approached the carriage, Kaizen looked devilishly annoyed. He eyed us, instantly taking the box from Levon and finishing the remaining bite-sized pieces. I held back my laugh, knowing how odd it was for Kaizen to act normal rather than his annoying broodiness.

I sat back in the carriage with Levon as we trudged on while the sky faded into a warm orange, welcoming the night with grace. I couldn't stop staring out the windows, pointing and gawking at the sight. How incredible the structures, the people, and the sweets had been. Perhaps the township wasn't as dreadful as I had imagined, solely because of Jesri's relentless obsession. Yet, deep down, I knew that anything associated with Jesri's dreams often led to trouble.

26

The castle stood before me, a grandeur beyond my wildest dreams. Its size alone was enough to take my breath away, dwarfing even the towering Creaic Gap. Several spires reached towards the heavens, their peaks disappearing into the clouds. As we approached, I marveled at the walls constructed of cream granite adorned with intricate accents of blue and gold that would glitter in the sun. These same hues matched the guards' attire at the entrance, their breastplates, gloves, and belts gleaming in the sunlight.

Stepping through the imposing golden doors, I was in a vast entrance hall that seemed to stretch endlessly. My eyes widened in awe as I took in the opulent surroundings, feeling speechless in the presence of such splendor. Servants bustled about, their movements graceful as they welcomed us into the castle.

Every detail within the castle exuded an opulence and luxury Jesri would kill for. The high, dark-stained walls were meticulously polished and adorned with banners of rich gold, blues, and greens that hung with regal grace. Well-kept rugs, woven with a lustrous gray-blue hue, lined the outer walls, andthe entire room was filled with hundreds of delicate jewels, crystals, and fancies that sparkled in the ambient light.

Levon's gentle touch on my shoulder pulled me back from my daze, grounding me into the present moment. I straightened myself, anticipation coursing through my veins as a servant guided us toward my private quarters. As we stepped into my room, I was awestruck by its grandeur, surpassing even the splendor of the castle entrance.

The lounging room greeted us with elegance, boasting a towering bookcase filled with literary treasures, a regal gold-painted table, plush cushioned chairs, and a magnificent blue and gold rug that beckoned one to sink into its depths. Moving into the bedroom, I marveled at its pristine beauty, where royal hues filled every corner, and the carpet felt luxurious beneath my feet, inviting me to sink my toes into its softness. A towering hand-painted partition sat by the large billowing windows, complemented by a large vanity and armoire, both painted with exquisite gold accents.

The bathing room mirrored the opulence of the rest of the quarters, featuring a plush rug that would cost a fortune alone, a porcelain clawfoot tub that promised indulgent relaxation, washing sinks for convenience, and a chamber pot discreetly tucked away. Overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of my surroundings, I couldn't contain the bubbling amazement that surfaced. A wide grin spread across my blushing cheeks. This was more than I could have ever imagined: a haven of luxury.

"Did you live here, in the castle, I mean?" I asked, my fingers trailing along the soft pastel curtains that adorned the large crystal windows, which offered a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

"I stayed in the barracks under the castle, not as glorious, but still grand," Levon replied with a smile, his tone carrying a hint of nostalgia.

"Do you miss this?" I inquired, pondering whether I would feel a similar longing after the uncertainties ahead.

"No, not at all." I couldn't hide my surprise at his swift response, but before I could dwell on it, he gently took my hands in his own. "It's nothing compared to what I have now, but I would still trade it all to find you," he said, squeezing my hand and increasing my turmoil of feelings. Our moment was quickly interrupted as a maid entered the room. Levon dropped my hand and stepped back several paces.

"Welcome, Lady Eliah Archenon," the maid greeted, her voice trembling with nervousness. I nearly retorted, but Levon's warning, playful eyes stopped me, and I managed a strained smile. "And Sir Alder," she continued, regaining control over her voice. "The rest of the contestants won't arrive until tomorrow, so make yourselves comfortable until then. Explore and eat as much as you'd like. We are grateful for your presence and abilities to participate in the King's Match, Lady Eliah."

Several other maids entered the room, carrying baskets filled with fruits, pastries, trinkets, and oddities I didn't recognize. The head maid cleared her throat again. "King Thealor gives his gratitude." With a final curtsy, they all left the room, their footsteps making no sound on the polished floors.

I raised my brow to Levon, feeling disdain for the king, knowing he very well didnotgive his gratitude.