Morning had broken by the time we arrived in the Kingdom of Elyndor.
The moment the carriage wheels crunched against the cobbled streets, I leaned toward the window, breath fogging the glass. Elyndor was every bit as breathtaking as I had imagined—sunlight gleamed off red-tiled rooftops, ivy wound its way up the walls of honey-colored stone buildings, and sapphire banners fluttered from wrought-iron balconies like whispers of royalty on the breeze.
As I scanned the bustling street, something caught my eye: a street performer stood balanced atop a barrel, juggling orbs of fire with effortless grace. Then, with a theatrical bow, he exhaled a stream of golden flame that shimmered in the morning light.
"A street performer!" Julian exclaimed beside me, his face pressed eagerly to the glass. His voice held a brightness I hadn't heard in days. For all his noble bearing, he was still just fourteen—a boy more than a duke, no matter the titles he carried.
Our carriage slowed, pulling away from the festive square. The colorful crowds and lively sounds faded behind us, replaced by the quiet hush of the city's edge. Here, the buildings were older, their stones weathered by time, the streets quieter and emptier.
The hotel stood tucked between aging facades, its once-grand features softened by neglect. It wasn't what I expected. In the original novel, this had been where Lily stayed during her desperate search for her brother—a place filled with hidden meetings and revelations. But now, standing before its faded exterior, it looked more like something forgotten.
Still, I said nothing.
I had lived in a house where every word felt like a weapon and every silence, a trap. Compared to that, even this modest place was a sanctuary. No shouting. No slammed doors. Just quiet. I could breathe here.
And perhaps, for now, that was enough.
Inside, I found my belongings already arranged neatly in our room. The bed was made, my trunk positioned at its foot, and my cloak hung carefully by the door. I was still taking it all in when a gentle knock came.
"It's me," Julian's voice called from the other side.
I opened the door to find him standing there, his face unreadable.
"What is it, big brother?" I asked, searching for his expression.
"I have a meeting," he said simply. "With someone from before. I won't be back until tomorrow."
I nodded, disappointment flickering beneath my calm. I had hoped we'd explore Elyndor together. But another thought quickly stirred—this might be my chance to see the city myself.
"Big brother," I began carefully, "may I ask a favor?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Of course."
"Could I… explore the city? Just for a little while?"
He studied me for a moment, then gave a small nod. "You can—but only with someone I trust. I've already arranged an escort."
Relief bloomed in my chest. I hadn't expected the freedom so easily. I changed into something simpler, something I could walk in without tripping over hems or gathering stares.
Not long after, a second knock came.
I opened the door to a girl with freckled cheeks and reddish-brown hair pulled into a loose braid. She looked to be around my age, maybe a little older, with warm, dark eyes that reminded me of melted chocolate.
"Hello!" she said brightly. "I'm Clara Winthrope. I was asked to accompany you while the duke is away. We can head out whenever you're ready."
I smiled, instantly at ease. "Let's go, then."
As we stepped outside, I glanced at her again. She didn't move like a noble, nor did she carry the stiff posture of a maid. She walked like someone who belonged to the rhythm of this city.
"I hope you don't mind walking," I said as we passed through winding roads. "The kingdom is… much larger than I thought."
Clara laughed softly, the sound like a bell in the open air. "I don't mind. Walking's the best way to see Elyndor."
And she was right.
The city unfolded before us like a painting—sunlit plazas, musicians strumming tunes beneath flowering trees, and children chasing enchanted bubbles that floated midair. Yet even in the wonder, my thoughts drifted to Emily. Was she safe? Was she eating?
We had been walking for a while when the city's heart finally revealed itself in full. Wide cobbled roads opened before us, and towering spires rose in the distance.
Clara stopped and gestured with a sweep of her hand. "Let me introduce you to the Castle of Elyndor," she said. "It's where the king and queen reside. They don't have children, sadly. The queen… she can't bear them. But the king loves her too deeply to ever take a mistress."
"That's… very touching," I said, eyes tracing the elegant silhouette of the castle. "Most rulers I've read about would have taken multiple mistresses, just to ensure an heir."
Clara nodded, then brightened. "Let's keep going. There's one more place I want to show you."
We wove through more winding lanes until we stopped before a grand stone building wrapped in ivy and traced with glowing runes. It was beautiful—ancient, proud, and humming with unseen magic.
"This is the Velmora Institute of Magical Arts," Clara said, her voice full of awe as she gazed up at the towering spires of glass and stone. "Anyone can apply… but it's very expensive." Her tone faltered near the end, softening like someone clutching a dream too delicate to speak of too often.
"Do you want to study here someday?" I asked, my voice gentle.
"Me?" Her eyes went wide with a flicker of disbelief. "I'd love to. If we ever had the money… I think I'd be happy just to try."
"I'm sure you will," I said with quiet conviction. "You'd probably be top of your class."
A blush rose to her cheeks. "You're very mature for your age, my lady."
I let out a shy laugh. "Really?"
She nodded, smiling. "Really."
Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, translucent stone that shimmered faintly in the light.
"This is for you, my lady," she said, pressing it gently into my hand. "It's a quart crystal. A lucky charm. It's brought me a little luck, at least… I hope it does the same for you."
I accepted it, my fingers curling around the smooth surface. "Thank you," I whispered, tucking it carefully into the pocket of my dress.
And for a moment—just a brief, golden moment—beneath the waving banners of Elyndor and the watchful towers that loomed above, we were no longer a noble girl and a hired guide. We were simply two girls, standing side by side, dreaming of a future not yet written. No titles. No burdens. Just hope.