I changed into something more appropriate, and Amenadiel escorted me to the carriage. A man wearing brown leathers stood outside holding the carriage door open. He bowed subtly "Your highness, I am Gerald, I will accompany you to the Ashwood residence" I smiled softly and entered the carriage, Amenadiel rode with Gerald upfront.
Almost immediately, the carriage began moving, rather slowly for my liking. The cushions became soft under my weight, and I slowly drifted to sleep.
A knock on the carriage door awoke me from my slumber, we had arrived at the residence. I stretched with what little space I had to and watched as the door was opened. I came down, the leaves making an audible crunch beneath my boots.
Behind the large steel gates stood the Ashwood residence, the estate's facade gleamed with polished limestone, adorned with intricate carvings that danced across the walls like golden vines. Majestic pillars, crafted from the finest marble, stood at the entrance, their slender forms topped with delicate stone leaves.
Amenadiel escorted me into the manor. As we stepped across the threshold, I was enveloped by the opulent interior. The foyer's high ceiling disappeared into a vaulted dome, painted with a breathtaking fresco of celestial bodies. Soft, golden light spilled from crystal chandeliers, casting a warm glow across the polished ebony floors.
We glided across the foyer, our footsteps echoing off the walls as we made our way toward the courtyard. A guard pushed open a pair of ornate glass doors, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers into the hallway.
As we stepped into the outer courtyard, I was struck by its sheer scale and beauty. Towering cypress trees stood watchful guard around the perimeter, their slender branches swaying gently in the breeze. A crystal-clear fountain bubbled and splashed at the courtyard's center, surrounded by an intricate mosaic of glittering tiles. Definitely not what a knight could afford.
Cerys Ashwood, resplendent in a gown of shimmering silver silk, rose from a delicate, gemstone-encrusted bench to greet me. I felt a sense of ease wash over me as I approached her.
"Natalya, it's an absolute delight to have you here," Cerys said, as she extended a slender hand in greeting.
I took her hand, feeling a spark of genuine affection for this charismatic woman. "The pleasure is mine, Cerys. Your home is breathtaking. Certainly not what I expected."
Cerys laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm so glad you approve. I've instructed the staff to prepare a lovely luncheon for us. And here," she gestured to the decanter of wine and the two empty goblets at the small table in front of the bench "is that wine I promised you, it's better than any wine they serve at the castle" I chuckled at the statement.
She dismissed the guards that stood around the courtyard, and I gestured for my own to leave as well. I sat on the bench, which was surprisingly comfortable, the aura in this place reeked of the kind of luxury that one could only find in a king's castle.
"I must admit, this is not what I expected"
She chuckled as she poured us some wine "I know, it's part pf the surprise" I took another look at my surroundings, took in the sight of this magnificent courtyard "You and I know a knight doesn't get paid enough to afford this" I took a sip of my wine, the taste exploded in my mouth, this wine makes whatever they serve at the castle taste like crap. "I own a hospital" she blurted.
My eyes flew wide in surprise "What makes your hospital different from the hundreds we have spread all over the kingdom?" I asked, "You'd be surprised how many people are uncomfortable with Korghon's current healthcare system" she said. My eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued by the hint of criticism in her voice. "What do you mean?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"Your father did not really pay much mind to the development of hospitals, I saw it as an investment opportunity and started running my own" That realization sparked a mix of emotions within me, what other needs were my family neglecting?
We continued ranting for about two more hours, the sun was at its brightest and the wine on our tables was replaced with that tea she had promised me. I mostly ranted about how much of an idiot Ramiel is and how much worse he was as king. "You know I had an elder brother once," my eyes widened in surprise, she nodded in confirmation "I don't know if he was as much a prick as your brother, but a prick nonetheless. Our father was a count, and he was to inherit the title and the meager estate that came with it," I surveyed our surroundings once more, thinking about how she must have trumped whatever her brother boasted of back then "We didn't get along very well, and imagine his delight when I was set to marry a knight, he had his kick of it," she chuckled "If only he could see me now"
Her eyes wondered, no doubt reminiscing about what must have happened then. I sipped my tea, the colorful flavor exploding in my mouth "How long ago was this?" I asked, her eyes were still fixed on the clear sky as she answered "About seventy years ago"