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Soon, the greenery turns into hedges, and we get our first glance at the castle.

“Oh wow,” I whisper, marveling at the towering creation in front of us. I don’t know much about castles, but it looks like something out of a storybook. I’ve never seen so much stone in my life. There are turrets, a bell tower, and gardens…

Oh, thegardens.

They’re lush, planted in a formal style with roses, topiaries, and fountains, all embraced by the surrounding Carpathian Mountains.

“It’s beautiful,” I say.

“Would you like me to tell you its history?” Tomas asks.

“Yes, please.”

Immediately, Tomas begins, “Anghelescu Castle was constructed in the seventeenth century as the Anghelescu family’s summer estate. The property remained in Archduke Anghelescu’s family until his natural son passed at three-hundred twenty years old. In the will, Archduke Vasile gifted theestate to Nicolau, his successor, stipulating it would be used as the government seat for our people.”

“That’s amazing?—”

“In the 1850s, it was modernized, adding the playful chalet-like elements and French-style gardens. It boasts one hundred eighty-four rooms, a ballroom, and an intimate auditorium.”

I glance at Noah, trying not to laugh as Tomas continues his practiced spiel, and pull out my phone.

Piper: I think you’ll like it here. It has more rooms than the Biltmore.

Cassian: Are you there?

Piper: We’ve just arrived. Our driver is playing tour guide.

Cassian: Tomas?

Piper: I see you are familiar with his work. How are you feeling?

Cassian: Like death.

Piper: Actual death, or wimpy-man-with-a-cold death?

Cassian: That’s hurtful.

I smile as I type.

Piper: I’m sorry you’re miserable.

Cassian: Noah said you agreed to the thing I had him discuss with you.

I’m assuming he’s being vague just in case someone has hacked into our texts.

Piper: Yeah, but you owe me.

Cassian: I just bought you a flower farm. What more do you want?

Piper: I’ll send you a list.

I’m joking. Mostly.

Cassian: Be careful, all right?

The conversation serves as a sober reminder that this isn’t a holiday. Jameson wants Cassian out of the running, and he’s probably getting desperate.

Something suddenly occurs to me, making me uneasy. I keep it to myself for now, not about to mention it to Noah while we’re with Tomas.