Page 51 of The Crown of the Dark Prince
“It’s beautiful,” Nessira whispered beside me, her voice soft with wonder.
The port was alive with vibrant energy. People moved in brightly colored clothing, the hues of orange, red, and gold catching the sunlight. Towering stone buildings lined the streets, their symmetrical facades adorned with elaborate mosaics depicting sunbursts, flowers, and mythical creatures. Many of the multi-story homes had overhanging balconies where women shook out linens and children leaned over the railings, watching the bustling courtyards below.
The Emperor and Empress had sent an envoy to greet us. A line of soldiers, resplendent in their brightly colored armor, stood waiting as we disembarked. Their orange breastplates gleamed under the light, each adorned with the emblem of the sun, and their capes billowed lightly in the breeze.
As I took my first unsteady steps off the ship, a man stepped forward and bowed deeply at the waist.
“Lady Theadora Moore,” he said, his voice warm and steady, “it is my great honor to welcome you on behalf of the monarchs to the great country of Tenebris. I am Ashburn, and I will escort you to the Sun Palace.”
Ashburn was tall and broad-shouldered, his brown skin glowing under the afternoon sun. He had neatly cropped, short, dark hair, and a long yellow cape flowed from his shoulders, distinguishing him from the othersoldiers. When I nodded in acknowledgment, he gestured toward a small box resting on the ground.
The palanquin was exquisite. Its glass walls, outlined in polished gold, enclosed a bed of velveteen pillows. The top curved into a delicate dome, crowned by an intricate dragon sculpture. Orange and red ribbons streamed from wooden beams that extended from its base, fluttering gently in the breeze.
“Please, make yourself comfortable, and we will begin our journey,” Ashburn said with a polite smile.
I blinked, surprised. “You wish for me to ride in that?”
“It is traditional for guests of great importance to be carried to the palace via a palanquin,” he explained. “The monarchs would be honored if you would allow this.”
“And what of my ladies?” I asked, glancing back at Nessira and Samsa.
“It is not a far journey,” Ashburn assured me. “Several of our men have horses and would be happy to ride alongside your ladies.”
“While your men are quite strapping, Ashburn,” a familiar voice interjected, “I personally will not be sharing a mount.”
Clay descended from the ship with the casual confidence only he could manage, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.
Ashburn’s composure wavered, his mouth opening and closing before he managed a hurried bow. “Your Grace! The monarchs were not expecting you. I apologize for not having another palanquin available for you.”
“That’s all right,” Clay said smoothly, his gaze sweeping over the bustling city. “I’ll enjoy walking alongside your soldiers.”
An awkward silence followed, but Ashburn quickly recovered, beckoning me toward the palanquin. I settled onto the velveteen cushions, the soft fabric cradling me as four soldiers took their positions at each corner. Nessira and Samsa were helped onto horses, their skirts carefully arranged,while Clay fell into formation with the soldiers, chatting amiably as we set off.
Through the glass walls of the palanquin, I watched the city unfurl around me. It was as foreign as Athenia had been when I first arrived, and I stared through the windows, unblinking as we made our way through streets alive with music, laughter, and the hum of a thriving city.
The journey was brief, no more than twenty minutes, before the palace finally loomed into view atop a hill.
We passed through a grand golden gate and along a long, mirror-like pool that stretched nearly a mile. The water shimmered under the sun, bordered by lush gardens filled with vibrant flowers and citrus trees heavy with fruit.
When we reached the palace courtyard, I found myself momentarily breathless.
The Sun Palace was a masterpiece. The structure, built of warm clay-colored stone, rose in perfect symmetry. Intricate floral patterns and inscriptions, alive in their detail, adorned its surface. A wide dome crowned its center, flanked by smaller domes atop spires that framed the building like sentinels.
The soldiers lowered the palanquin gently to the ground. One stepped forward, opening the door and extending a hand to help me out.
“Welcome to the Sun Palace,” a voice said, but I barely registered the words. I fixed my eyes on the towering structure before me, its beauty eclipsing everything else.
Chapter Fourteen
Ashburn led usthrough the halls of the Sun Palace so quickly that I barely had time to take in my surroundings. Still, my eyes darted around, absorbing flashes of mosaic walls and colorful tiled floors. Windows cut into intricate shapes—flowers, suns, and stars—let in streams of golden light. Greenery and vines climbed the walls, inviting the outside in.
After a year spent in the pristine white marble of the Athenian palace, this explosion of color was overwhelming.
It wasn’t just the decor that impressed me, though. The air carried the rich aroma of spices and fresh bread, wrapping around us like a warm embrace. My stomach growled loudly, and I flushed as heads turned my way.
“Do not fear, my Lady,” Ashburn said, a soft chuckle in his voice. He glanced back at me, his expression warm. “Dinner is being prepared as we speak. The monarchs insisted on meeting you first.”
He stopped before a set of large, ornately carved doors, holding one open and sweeping his arm forward in invitation.
