28. Chapter 28

Chapter twenty-eight

T aking a deep breath, Haven stepped through the open door to the ballroom where she was supposed to meet Roman. A few fae were milling about inside, finishing up the decor around the room.

After games, performances, music and lunch at the festival on the castle grounds, Haven and Roman would begin their tests. Haven still didn't know what exactly she'd be doing in her tests and when she'd asked Roman, he didn't know either. Not knowing made Haven nervous but she kept telling herself that she was not the first, nor would she be the last to go into something like this with absolutely no clue as to what was going on. It helped that Haven had always been decent at improvising. Granted, swapping honey for vanilla extract after running out while making banana bread wasn't exactly the same but the premise was there.

After completing their tests, Haven and Roman would be escorted here, to the ballroom, where a ceremony will be taking place to officially welcome them into fae royal society.

Nerves raked down Havens spine when she didn't immediately spot Roman. Rea would wait with her until he arrived but standing around waiting while the fae around you not so subtly sized you up was not Havens idea of a good time.

"Try and relax, enjoy today" Rea nudged her arm and smiled.

"I'll try," Haven promised.

"Are you sure you don't know anything about the tests tonight?" Haven asked again, trying to gain any little tidbit of information she could. She knew Rea really didn't know much and had already told her what she did, but she could know something and not even realize it, at least that's what Haven was hoping.

"No, I don't know much of anything about them, as I already told you. But I assure you, everything will be fine. Royals everywhere like to keep the intricate details about these things very close, but no one has ever gotten hurt."

Haven smiled weakly at that, Rea's words only helping slightly.

"You will be fine" Rea continued to reassure her, "Just think, after today you will know for sure who your parents were, what magics you possess and likely even how far in line for a throne you are. You will get answers to questions you haven't even thought about asking. After today you get to start training with your magic, with weapons, you will learn about the kingdom you will go to and so many other wonderful things." Rea squeezed her arm around Haven as she spoke, offering an additional level of comfort .

"Thank you Rea, you're pretty good at that whole reassurance thing"

Rea's smile brightened, "I know" she joked.

A few more minutes passed before Roman showed up, a short blonde man trailing behind him. Haven assumed he was Romans lady's maid, or whatever the male equivalent of a lady's maid was. Rea walked off as soon as Roman appeared. Haven thought her sudden disappearance was odd but she didn't get any time to dwell on it.

"Wow Haven, you look stunning!" Roman took Havens hand and spun her around, causing a small laugh to bubble up.

"Thank you Roman, you look great as well," She quickly scanned the outfit he was wearing, finding a sharp black tunic with silver etching tucked into dark brown leathers and knee-high black riding boots. A small crown similar to Havens sat atop his freshly cropped black hair. He looked ethereal, like a king preparing to rule a kingdom. Haven could only hope she looked as put together as he.

"Shall we?" Roman extended his arm.

"We shall" Haven nodded and took his arm.

Together they walked across the hall to the open castle entrance doors. Taking another deep breath and putting on her strongest smile, Haven stepped through the doorway with Roman beside her. Exiting the castle, Haven paused at the sight she found displayed before her.

"Wow." She breathed. Roman didn't respond, he didn't say anything at all. Haven knew he was likely also wrapped up in the sight ahead of them ,

Sprawled across the front castle grounds were rows and rows of tents, banners and booths. Haven could even spot a stage to the far left. Everywhere she looked something was going on, there was a juggler with flaming knives, a few displays of elemental magic, someone walking through the rows with a mule carrying colorful fabrics. Another lady appeared to be selling different potions and brews. Haven could see countless kids running about, some with food and toys, all with big smiles on their faces. There was so much life going on it was impossible not to smile.

"Are you ready?" Roman asked

"Absolutely!" She responded, "Let's do this!"

Together they began walking down the slight slope of the castle grounds to where the festival was in full swing.