The carriage coasted up the curving street that led to the palace. The wheels clicked evenly on the pavement and the horses hooves tapped out a brisk trot. It didn't take long before they rattled through the castle gates, the walls of the palace rising up in front of her with all the might and majesty the crown had to offer. Aeliana had been entranced by the sight of the structure from afar but from up close the castle was an even more overpowering and dominating presence. The white and gray marble and stone construction, the towering towers, the beautiful architecture and the brown roofing. It all had Aeliana rather intimidated.
The carriage rolled into the courtyard and a footman approached the door just as the carriage slowed to a stop in front of the main entrance. He opened it and offered his hand to help Aeliana from the vehicle. Aeliana gazed up at the palace. It was so big, and with the lights shining on it, it was even more impressive. How was she ever able to find Theon in this building. What if this night turned out to be horrible, what if she didn't fit in, what if her dress looked too shabby and what if Theon acted different towards her in the midst of all these nobles. There is only one way to find it, Aeliana thought, trying to muster courage. She accepted the hand of the footman gratefully and stepped out of the carriage.