Siren's Song: Aridia

Chapter 3

It was nearly midnight when we got to the castle. The darkness surrounding us made me feel safe, oddly enough. I was so excited, and not in the least tired, having slept most of the trip. I was bouncing slightly in my seat until I felt a hand smack me across the thigh.

"Calm down, Amelia! How are you not tired?" Alina rolls her eyes and drifts back into her dazed sleep state.

"I slept the entire trip, why would I be tired?"

"It is midnight. That means it is well past bedtime. Do not stay up all night reading!"

"You know you're not mother, you can't just boss me around all the time!" I cross my arms and huff at Alina for fussing at me. She may get to see the castle a lot, but this is my first time being here. 

The carriage pulls up to the doors of the castle and the Prince is there to greet us. My breath and conscience leave me every time I see him, this time no different. We let Mother out first, Abrina rather rudely steps down, and I'm left for last as I always am. The Prince takes each of our hands as we exit; I feel an electric current go through my hand and throughout my body as we touch. I gasp as he smiles brightly, a blush playing on my face a little brighter than the one on his. I quickly turn and head to the back behind Mother. We make our ways to the bedrooms, listening to the prince explain the inwards and outwards of the castle. I won't remember most of it come morning, anyways. 

The bedroom doors are gigantic and wooden, homely like; it makes me feel so comfortable and at ease. I push mine open slowly, and a king-sized bed sits in the middle of the fully wooded room. A giant wooden chest sits at the end of the bed with my luggage, ready to be taken out and put away. The walls a deep mahogany red color, the flooring a chestnut brown, and the curtains a dark crimson red. The colors worked well together, even though you would think they wouldn't. I hear the door creak open a little, and I turn to see the prince standing there.

"Hello, how do you enjoy the castle so far?" Prince Leo said, a sweet smile and a gleam from his eyes coming from across the room, taking my breath away once again.

"I-it's very nice. I really like my room! I-i mean the room I allowed to sleep. I'm sorry..." I look down and blush at my mess up. It is not my room, it is the castle room.

"Everything is alright. Is everything as you would like?" He c***s his head to the side, looking genuinely concerned.

"Oh, yes! It's everything I could ever hope to see. Thank you, Prince Malichi. Is it alright to call you by that name?"

"Yes, it is. Everybody does, dear Amoura." He walks across the room over to me. "It's late. You should get some rest. Tomorrow we feast and go through the castle. It is an honor to have you and your family here." 

"T-the honor is all ours! It is amazing just to be able to come. Thank you." I curtsy deeply to him as he bows back to me. We stand up together and lock eyes. "I-i should rest. Thank you once again."

"It is all my pleasure. Sleep well, Amoura." He turns on his heels and shuts my door softly.

I slump slightly and lie on the bed. Oh, Amoura. Are you really letting your feelings get the best of yourself? I shake my head at myself. I sigh and let my eyes slide close.

"Amelia Everlee! Get up, you are sleeping in late again!" Mother voice fills my dreams, coming from that same siren as before. I awake more tired now than when I drifted to sleep last night. 

"Yes, mother!" I quickly jump out of the bed and into the bathroom, taking a very quick bath. I get out and dress faster than I ever have before. A yawn slips from my lips as I dash out of my bedroom, and straight into the prince."P-prince Malichi! I apologize deeply! I had slept past time and was trying to get to-"

"It's alright, Amoura. Please, breathe." I do as I am told and take a deep breath. My senses come to me as I do. I look up at him as he looks down to me, his ice-cold eyes taking that deep breath away.

"Thank you. Could you show me to the morning dinning area, please? I am still unsure of the castle."

"It would be my ultimate pleasure to do so." He turns away from me and puts a hand on the small of my back. "Anything you may need out of your room before we depart? I'm unsure of when we would come back by it before tonight." I shake my head, not being able to think of anything I would need. He starts off walking down the hall to the stairs, leading me with his hand still on my back. My hand every so often brushes against his leg, sending the electric current back through my body. We turn one final time after what feels like ten minutes of walking and talking. A giant dining room surrounds me as we step in. I gaze in awe of how amazing everything in the castle looks, this room being the best so far. 

It's shining with sunlight coming from every angle of the glass room. A magnificent chandelier hangs in the middle of the room. I cannot take my eyes off of it. I feel the hand on my back leave, and it is instantly cold.

"Is it too much? This room is a bit much at first, but it is lovely in the evening. The moon at its brightest, shining just right through the glass, lighting up the chandelier. Just beautiful." 

I nod, not being able to speak. I am too stunned by how beautiful everything is. Leo smiles as me again; I don't think that smile has left since I've seen him. "Come, you must be hungry. I wanted to show you my favorite room before we made it to breakfast."

I nod and follow him once again, this time just a couple of minutes until we got the dining hall. Everyone else had already been seated and seemed to be waiting on Malichi and I. I curtsy in front of the Queen and King, apologizing for being late.

"Dear, you need not to apologize, it's okay. I'm sure Mali has his reasons for keeping you." The Queen said to me.

I blushed deeply and looked away, getting a quick glance at Abrina. Her face was red. I was unsure if it was embarrassment or anger. I took my seat and decided it was best not to dwell on it.