Chapter 10.
1309 Words
It was the night before the opening ball. Sal had been searching the forest for days, yet all his efforts had been futile.
He had managed to find the bandits lair, but with little to no sign of Summer. This made him wonder if she had been sold.
So after a while of picking up the bandits trail, he decided that he would go to the Slavers Market in Wyeth to make enquiries.
The Slavers market was one of the biggest Slave City in the entire kingdom of Castamere. It was where all the noblest of nobles and where the Castle royals got their slaves from. It was known for selling high quality slaves who had special skills, unique abilities or outstanding talent that may some day help them be freed of their masters.
It was possible that Summer had been taken to the Slavers market, the only issue was how Sal would acquire information without being suspicious about it. He was not of noble or royal blood.
So, a nobody sniffing around asking about a slave or someone else would raise eyebrows. It could even get him arrested. The bandits might beat him up for asking such questions, but he had to try anyways.
He was still watching the market from afar with steady and alert eyes and his hand holding the hilt of his sword, ready to attack when he spotted a familiar figure walking across the market with two hooded guards.
Maven?
Was that Maven?
He asked as he gasped.
There could only be one reason why Maven was in the slavers market and it wasn't because he wanted to buy a slave.
It was clear as day that Maven was looking for Summer.
To Sal, that meant that Astra's letter must have arrived at the general's house and everyone knew already.
For Maven to be undercover he just have snuck out with only a few guards to ask about Summer.
He must know something.
He had to go talk to Maven.
He thought as he started walking towards him.
There was still hope.
The first time she was supposed to be at the castle in Wyeth the King City, she should have gone as a handmaiden for Astra. Now, she was going as a Lady of a noble house, competing with other noble ladies for the hand of the Prince in marriage.
It was unbelievable... She could only imagine something remotely close to that happening in her wildest dreams.
Never in real life, not like this....
She thought as she looked outside the window of her carriage.
"When you walk in there... You're going to steal the show!!! Everyone in there is going to be in shock for days!!"
Hydra said as she laughed cruelly. Summer shook her head wearily. She felt uncomfortable but she did little to show it.
It might earn her another long lecture from Hydra.
She was wearing a blue dress with a hue so deep it looked like the thread was spun from the darkest blue in the night sky.
The dress was typical in the Whitby house fashion, high neck and cinched waist with a billowing skirt. But this time it was a little bit different.
The sleeves had been made of blue flimsy lace which showed the creaminess of Summer's skin.
Her white blond hair was up in an elegant bun decorated with glistening silver crystals that were the household jewels of the Whitby house and the darkest sapphires Lord Earn Whitby could find sat comfortably on her ears and fingers.
She was exquisite. And even Summer herself didn't know it, but Hydra could not stop beaming proudly. Her head held up high nodding with silent approval.
Yes, their plan would work. In a matter of time, Larissa would be in the castle and the much coveted stones that Silver Falcon wanted would be within their grasp.
She would find it. Hydra was confident in her for some reasons, not only in the abilities that Summer had not yet known she possessed but in Silver Falcon's visions that had never failed him.
"This will give you an advantage over the others. You must use it well."
"The King and Queen will be curious about you, the Prince too. Let's hope he doesn't have any favourites yet, he'll certainly be of use to you some way or the other."
Hydra was already scheming and conniving, like she had been doing for days.
Summer found it rather odd that she was so invested in everything that was happening, even more than Silver Falcon. It would be hard for her to escape, at least not with Hydra meddling in her affairs.
The carriage stopped in front of the castle, with the castle guards looking at it oddly, yes, she could understand why. They had arrived late. All other guests that the Royals were expecting were already in the ball, wining and dining, except her.
Well, all that was going to change.
She thought as Lord Earn of Whitby house also known as Silver Falcon came out of the carriage.
Dressed in the same midnight blue, a billowing cape and his walking cane in his hand he was quite a sight to behold.
The guards bowed when they saw him, although it was rather impossible for them to hide the look of shock on their faces.
That was how surprised they were.
They opened their mouths but closed it swiftly after words failed them.
Lord Earn walked towards Larissa's carriage and Summer brazed herself. Everyone around had stopped to watch.
From peasants around to the guards at the castle gate to the coachmen waiting at their different carriages, they had all leaned in waiting to know what was going to happen.
As the door of the carriage swung open Hydra came out first, her hands held out to assist Larissa out of the carriage.
The dress was cumbersome, but Larissa managed to come out of the carriage gracefully.
With a smile on her face like she had been taught.
As they approached the palace steps, one of the king's advisors walked out.
He was a tall lanky man whose stern face turned into one of surprise when he saw Lord Earn.
"Lord Earn! We were not expecting you."
Lord Earn scoffed.
"Why wouldn't you expect us? Is the house of Whitby not part of the thirteen noble houses?"
"Yes! Of course it is! But we haven't heard from you in such a long time."
They turned to look at each other in confusion.
"We only assumed you wouldn't be able to make it. After all such travels isn't good for your health."
One of them sharply said and Lord Earn narrowed his eyes at him.
He turned and noticed Larissa standing next to Lord Earn.
His eyes widened but he maintained his composure.
"And who might this lovely lady be?"
"Who is she??!"
Lord Earn shouted appalled.
"This is my granddaughter. Lady Larissa of House Whitby."
"It's rather unfortunate we didn't get an invitation for Queenstrial as early as we could have. We were waiting for it..."
The advisor looked confused and then embarrassment followed. His pale cheeks reddened. Then he smiled.
"I apologise. That is a grave mistake on our part. We were under the impression that your granddaughter was no more. It's been so long since we actually heard from you..."
"No more!!!"
"How dare you insinuate that?"
Lord Earn shouted and the advisor bowed lowly.
"I am truly sorry. Please come in quickly."
"The introductions of the noble houses has already started. I wouldn't want your daughter miss the chance to be introduced to the King and Queen."
There was a short silence from Lord Earn and then he turned to the special advisor.
"Well, lead the way then. I wouldn't want Larissa to miss any moment of it."
- Writer
