CHAPTER 97 Decorum be Damned

Henrietta

I'd been to the Sumbrian Royal Palace, the Emerald Palace of Peldeep, the Servalt Castle of Ashes, and the Capital Castle in Drendil, the last of which I'd grown up in. My trips to the Baldorin Council had not granted access to the royal suites, but since they were carved into the mountain, it wasn't something you could look at from the outside and admire.

I'd seen the wonders of the Dark Enchanted Forest and beheld marvels that could only be found in the twisted environs of dungeons.

And yet, Grand Duchess Calisto's palace was still breathtaking. Spires of ornate shimmering teal and coral pink reached into the sky, all at different heights. Great archways of floating crystal bridges connected the buildings, catching the light and scattering it into rainbows that lanced to the earth far below. The entire palace was enclosed by delicate white peaked metal fencing that I didn't need [Sword Aura] to tell was magically enhanced. Mana rippled in the air, thick enough to tickle the senses.

Our carriage entered through the open front gates, in line with three others that had arrived around the same time. The entry led to a one-way road that circled around a shimmering fountain to the front doors of the biggest and tallest tower, a pure-white edifice that stretched up at least twenty floors.

The palace doors opened, and attendants exited to create a welcoming path leading up to the entrance. A statuesque woman descended the short stair and walked with grace toward the first carriage. She wore a soft flowing dress made of tan-colored arachne silk. It accentuated her night-sky black skin and long loose dark-red hair. Streaks of gray and gentle crow's eyes betrayed her age and her trials in life.

Grand Duchess Calisto personally welcomed her guests as they exited their carriages. We were third in line, and my heart fluttered with growing anticipation.

I recognized the first to arrive as Duke Wyldon of Servalt, a scholarly young man who was high up in administration, and nephew to the queen of Servalt. He was diligent and strict, following the rules of the law with a hard hand. He exited his carriage alone, and politely greeted Her Grace before being guided inside by an attendant.

The following carriage held an elderly couple who dismounted painfully slowly. The woman kissed Calisto on both cheeks in greeting, then they ambled in after their own guide.

Finally, we arrived at the front. Sithli hopped down and opened the door to the carriage, and I realized I was sitting closest to the door. Decorum be damned, I stepped down first, offering my hand up to the Dark Lord. He laughed and reached out to take it.

Grand Duchess Calisto managed to suppress a half smile that played on the corner of her lips. Her voice was rich and cultured as she spoke. "Greetings, King Monfort and Princess Henrietta. I hope your travels were calm and quiet."

Keith smiled regally. "Thank you, Your Grace. It was a pleasant trip."

"It is wonderful to finally meet you, Your Grace." I wound my hands around Keith's arm. "I'm honored to receive your invitation. Your home is beautiful, and I cannot imagine anywhere else more perfect for my debut."

The duchess dropped a bit of her formality, and her smile softened. "You are well met, my dear. If you have time today to join me for afternoon tea, I would love to have you. I'm sure we have much to talk about."

There was nothing I wanted more than to have tea with one of the most influential and powerful women on the continent.

"I would love to, Your Grace."

The duchess eyed Keith. "I apologize for stealing your partner, Monfort. It's but a small affair to introduce the newly eligible young men and women to each other. And to ease them into things."

"Think nothing of it. I will enjoy your hospitality in other ways. Might I perchance beg leave to peruse your library?" Keith asked.

The duchess smiled. "Of course you may. And if there's time, I'd love your opinion on some of the new magical tools I'm designing."

"Absolutely," Keith announced eagerly. He didn't bother hiding his interest and used his free hand to push up his glasses. "I'm fascinated with your new ‘moving rooms,' the ones that travel up and down your palace, among other things I noticed since we crossed the border."

"Yes, the magical ‘elevators' were a challenge to complete, but they've made traveling around the palace so much easier. I look forward to your critical eye on how their mechanisms might be improved."

It would be unfortunate that Keith couldn't join us for tea, but I was happy that he would have something even more exciting for him to do in the meantime.

Keith visibly composed himself and brought up the other matter we needed to discuss during our visit. "And, of course, I look forward to hosting Your Grace this summer at my own castle."

"Not if I convince them to move the wedding," the woman threatened. "We can discuss things before you leave, but where are my manners; I've left you standing here for far too long. Please, follow Daj. He shall guide the two of you to your suite."

Keith and I stared in shocked silence at the smug grand duchess as we both realized what she'd said.