Page 16 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“I just hope the people are accepting of us. We are strangers to them, don’t forget.”

Nadya gives me a sly smile. “No worries. Everybody loves me. I can be very charming.”

“That is very true.” I smile, glad to have her with me to ease my qualms.

Our carriage diverges from the main path and makes its way uphill to the looming silhouette of the Ivystone Citadel. It is perched above the town like a guardian. The ivy that cascades down its walls seems to connect the fortress with the vibrant life below, symbolizing the unity between the historical stronghold and the evolving town.

The susurrant sounds of the town fade out as we climb, until only the noises of the horses’ hooves clopping and their sighing from the long ride reach our ears. The view from the top of the hill captures the essence of a town that, despite the changing times, remains rooted in tradition,with the streets weaving a tapestry that binds the past and the present.

The Ivystone Citadel, standing taller than I remember against the backdrop of a near-perfect sky, embodies a blend of the Age of Dragons grandness and royal elegance. The towering stone walls, reminiscent of fortress architecture, are adorned with intricate wrought-iron detailing, evoking the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Tall, narrow windows line the façade, allowing streams of muted sunlight to filter through heavy curtains.

As we approach the entrance, two guards dressed in the green and purple colors of Hedera open a massive, iron gate with ornate metalwork. A glance past it reveals a cobblestoned area in front of the citadel. The carriage stops for a moment while our driver speaks to one of the guards, and then we are moving again, stopping closer to the castle.

When the carriage door creaks open, I gather the material of my dress’s skirt into my fists so I can step out onto the cobblestone forecourt of Ivystone Citadel. Nadya settles a gentle hand on my elbow to assist me, probably sensing that I’m not used to moving around in a dress. My heart flutters with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, but once I have two feet on the ground and Nadya stands close beside me, I straighten my back and lift my chin. Nadya’s presence is a comforting anchor amidst the unfamiliar surroundings, but I’m also a soldier, well-practiced in marching into foreign territories with purpose and determination.

My uncle, who has emerged from his carriage, comes over to us, adjusting the lapels of his jacket. “I trust you both managed the ride without much incident.”

“I feel the need to stretch out my back.” I twist my body at my waist to work out the cramped muscles. “But otherwise, I’m fine.”

“I’m starving,” Nadya adds. “So I hope the Copperhammers have a good cook.”

“Like everything about Ivystone,” my uncle begins as he scans the area, “I’m sure they’ve got nothing but the best.”

“Where’s Thora?” I scan the area for any sign of my beloved mare. The thought of not being with her for the journey gnaws at my heart, a pang of longing for the familiar warmth of her presence. But one ofUncle Kormak’s soldiers rode her here in my stead.

“They’re taking her to the stables. She’s fine. Don’t worry.”

I nod in acknowledgment, though the prospect of leaving Thora in the hands of strangers in the stables bothers me. I don’t know these people. I don’t know how kind or unkind they are to the animals. I painstakingly push down my anxiety about letting someone else shelter my horse, praying that she will be cared for properly.

Courtiers emerge from the castle, headed our way. I take a deep breath, unsure of what to do as the welcoming party draws near.

My uncle turns to me and keeps his voice low. “There’s one more detail we need to see to before we meet the Copperhammers.” He hands me a velvet box, which he must have been keeping behind his back.

“What’s this?” I ask. Before he can answer, I open the box to find a gold tiara encrusted with a row of gems. I wrinkle my nose. “Oh. Must I really?”

“You are a princess, Celeste, about to be a queen. We are introducing you by your title. Wear the tiara.”

I purse my lips and blow out an unsatisfied breath but remove the tiara from the box.

“Oh, it really adds to the aesthetic of your outfit. So sparkly!” Nadya takes the tiara and adjusts it properly upon my head before smoothing out my dress to make sure I’m more presentable.

“Now,” Uncle Kormak begins just before the courtiers reach us. “Let’s go ensure the safety of Delasurvia.”

CHapter

Nine

I have to remember to breathe.

Turning my attention to the imposing façade of Ivystone Citadel, I am struck by its majestic architecture. I can’t help but think this place has grown tenfold since I was last here. Either that, or my mind selectively erased the details of the castle from my memory. The stone walls rise tall and formidable, adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments that speak of centuries of history and tradition, all of it dripping with vines of ivy.

“I’d hate to be the one in charge of the room atop that thing.” Nadya swallows hard as she gapes upward.

I stretch my neck to follow her line of vision, taking in the view of the tallest turret I’ve ever seen. It towers above the castle so high, I’m sure it can overlook the entire world. “I believe that’s where they keep their nightfeathers.” From that height, the king’s messenger birds would have a clear, far-reaching view in any direction they were sent.

A wide, stone staircase leads up to the entrance, flanked by imposing statues and lush, manicured gardens that lend an air of elegance to the surroundings. The scent of blooming flowers floods the air, mingling with the faint hint of wood smoke from nearby hearths.

I wet my lips, my hands fluttering to my neck, as a sense of awe washes over me, mingled with a trace of apprehension at the thought of what awaits within. I’ve been here as a child, accompanying my parents when they visited the King and Queen of Hedera, but everything looks different than I remember it. More massive. And maybe even a bit more intimidating. But I square my shoulders, steeling myself for whatever lies ahead, knowing that I must navigate this unfamiliar realm with the grace and determination of a princess.

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