Chapter 3
Allen Walker was wandering around in the castle garden that night. He couldn't sleep for once. The mere thought of what awaited him tomorrow made his head sick with swimming thoughts. The night air helped to calm him, relieve him of that. He sighed, puffing out a breath of cloudy fog, as he sat down beside the fountain. A tall statue of a knight was standing in the middle of it, carved elegantly out of marble. He leaned forward, running his hands through his snow white hair.
Then Timcampy came and landed on his shoulder, prodding him in the cheek. Allen breathed in a heavy breath, and then stood up. There was still much work to be done.
Black figures followed him as he walked upon the glistening pavement. In the streets of the town, there was not a soul that would be safe from their clutches if it weren't for the fabled Crowned Clown. Allen smirked maliciously, enjoying the feeling of the evil flesh ripping through his metallic claw. There was something satisfying to him about the destruction of demons.
It was nearly sunup by the time that he returned back to his room. His cloak was dotted with splotches of dark blood, demon blood. He went into the bathroom to clean off, redressed, and then walked back out into the garden. Finding a small oak tree, he laid down within its complex roots, his hair and shirt collar drifting softly in the breeze.
Lenalee jerked awake at a loud thump. The carriage had run over a large rock, shaking the passenger car. She rubbed her eyes sleepily as she looked up at the morning light. The sun was a beautiful blood orange. She contemplated the light for a while, mesmerized by its strange hue. Then realizing that the destination was nearing, she turned around and ran her hands through her hair and dress, smoothing out any creases and waves. Even though she had no idea what this Prince would be like, she still would need to look the part.
The driver stopped the carriage minutes later. Lenalee held her breath as the door was opened.
"We have arrived, m'lady."
She walked gingerly out of the car, feeling a slight soreness on her underside from sitting too long. She smiled at the driver and then followed him to the castle entrance.
The castle entrance was far taller and wider than she imagined. It was so indefinitely intimidating. The many perfectly carved lines within the pillars all seemed to blend into one, making her eyes feel blurry. She blinked twice. Then she saw a broad figure from beneath the entrance. He had long red hair that flowed smoothly down to his shoulders and his face seemed gruff with age and smoking.
"Welcome, Princess Lenalee, to the Xeron Kingdom," said the king, smiling genuinely. Lenalee smiled back, feeling a comforting feeling to the man's behavior. He held her hand and kissed it, then embraced her as would a father to a daughter.
"Thank you, sire," she said as they parted.
He smiled again. "I'm sure you will enjoy your stay here. There are many places to visit in this area if you do in fact get bored of this old castle though." He winked at her, and then laughed.
She giggled politely. "I see. Thank you for your kindness."
"Of course," he said. Nodding to one of the butlers nearby, this man will show you to your room when you are ready. I believe Prince Allen is the garden. Perhaps you should meet him before you settle in."
Her stomach quivered a little, filled with a torrent of butterflies. "Of course. I'd be delighted."
"Then I will leave you to it," the king said as he walked back into the castle. "And if you ever need me, just call. My name is Cross."
"Thank you, King Cross, for your hospitality and generousness," Lenalee said while bowing. Then she turned to her attendant. "Please place my baggage into my room. I would like to check out the garden first."
The attendant nodded. "As you wish, m'lady."
Seconds later, Lenalee was left alone. She began walking toward the back of the castle.
If only I knew what awaits me…