Chapter 17: The Jolenta Mansion

~I looked up and saw a beautiful woman staring out the window of a castle. The castle glimmered like a diamond and was surrounded by many buildings and a bustling crowd.~

~The crown of our kingdom sat atop the woman’s head. I knew that because our history master, Master Audrey, had given us a lesson on royal jewels. ~

~Her long, wavy black hair flowed down the back of her eggshell-colored gown. As pretty as she looked, the people couldn’t feel the sorrow this woman held deep in her heart. They couldn’t see the sadness in her brilliant blue eyes that glistened like ocean waves. ~

~She looked familiar. I could’ve sworn I knew her, but I didn’t know where I could’ve possibly met her. ~

~“Tatiana,” a soft voice called out the lost princess’s name. “I know you’re alive.”~

I sprang awake and shook sleep out of my eyes.

“Bad dream?” Celestria asked.

“Not exactly. It caught me by surprise, is all.”

“Well, I have another surprise for you. Look out the window.”

I did. I must’ve slept for a very long time, because we had finally reached Celestria’s home.

When we rode down the last stretch of a cobblestone path and turned into the courtyard, I realized that Celestria wasn’t just born rich. She was born very rich.

The mansion she called home was lovely and joyful. The people who worked here seemed happy about it, smiling at us the moment we stepped out of the carriage.

The village on the other side of the gates was lively and filled with shops, homes, and men greeting their wives and children. I’d never been here before, but I instantly felt safe and warm.

A man with a soft face and impeccable posture opened the carriage doors. His frock—a blue suit with gold trimmings—was probably more expensive than all the things I’d ever owned put together.

“Miss Celestria, Miss Drake, welcome,” he said and bowed.

“It is wonderful to see you again, Rubert,” Celestria said. She stepped out and curtsied to the gentleman.

I picked up the bottom of my dress and followed suit.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Miss Drake.”

“Likewise,” I croaked out, nerves seizing my voice.

“Rubert is our butler. Anything you need, he is here for you,” Celestria informed me.

“Where are my parents, Rubert?” Celestria asked the gentleman.

“In the library. Let me take you to them.”

Two guards in pale-blue attire stepped aside and opened the mansion’s massive wooden doors.

My jaw dropped as I took in the atrium. The floor shone so brightly that I could see my reflection in it. The walls were painted white and blue and were decorated with large paintings. An ancient desk with small carvings etched into its sides stood before us.

This place was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. A person could’ve gotten lost here and been entertained for hours. I surely could’ve.

“Celestria, what do your parents do for a living?” I asked her as we walked down a large hallway. Our footsteps echoed throughout the house. There would definitely be no sneaking out without the adults finding out, not that I had any plans to do anything like that.

“I’m not really allowed to know any of it. However, I can tell you that they work with the queen and supervise magic and people who possess magical abilities. I won’t know the extent of it until I gain the title they carry,” Celestria said.

“That sounds important. But why would someone have to oversee magic? Aren’t we allowed to use it as we please?”

“Well, I’ve heard that there are people who turn bad. Sometimes, the magic goes to their heads. They think they’re so mighty and powerful that they turn on the kingdom. My parents make sure those people answer for their actions and don’t harm themselves or anyone else.”

“I’ve always assumed that our only enemy is Arachnid. I could’ve never imagined that our own people would even think of harming the kingdom.”

“People can be unpredictable, no matter where they come from,” said a woman as soon as Rubert led us into a room filled with exquisite furniture and books.

She looked exactly like Celestria. Even their smiles were identical.

“Mom,” Celestria said, and raced over to the woman. They hugged for the longest time.

“I’m sorry, Drake. It’s just that I haven’t seen my dear Celestria in months,” the woman said and patted her eyes dry. “I’m Farah, and this is my husband, Bolton. We’re so excited to have you in our home.”

I curtsied, but when they couldn’t take their eyes off me, I was sure I must’ve done something wrong.

“Guys, you’re staring,” Celestria said, looking embarrassed.

“I’m sorry, honey,” Bolton said. “It’s just that your friend is a dead ringer for—”

“The Prince of Berwick,” Farah cut in.

Relief flooded my body. “I’ve gotten that before, once or twice,” I said.

“The resemblance is uncanny, but we should probably stop making you feel uncomfortable with our staring,” Farah said, and giggled. “Celestria is an only child, so it’s so nice to see her with someone other than a guard or a tutor. We intended to give her a sister or brother, but the gods only wanted us to have one child.”

“Our home is your home,” Bolton said, and wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist.

~I should probably tell them sooner rather than later~, I thought. I felt bad keeping a secret from people who were welcoming me in with open arms.

“Lunch is being prepared in the garden as we speak,” Rubert said.

Farah placed her arm around me, and Bolton put his arm around Celestria.

“Has Celestria told you how exceptional our chef is?” Farah asked.

“She hasn’t.”

“Then you’re about to see for yourself.”