Page 88 of The Shadowed Oracle
Tyla shifted her head from left to right in search of what Callinora might be referring to. The only thing in any direction was more empty stone walls.
“Sorry. Your room.” The princess gestured to her right. “It’s just through here.” She braced herself against the gray slab, and slowly the outline of a door appeared. As it opened, a flood of firelight bled into the dark corridor.
Tyla let out a low sigh. “Oh, god.”
The room was slightly smaller than the princess’s quarters, but no less remarkable. Vast canopy bed with that ultra-realistic style of painting with vibrant greenery, bright flowers, and shaded blue skies painted on the headboard. In the corner, surrounded by red and gold tile, was an enormous standing bathtub overlooking the city. Instead of a balcony, there was an entire wall made of glass windows in the shape of small silver octagons. Adjacent to them was a rolling dresser with all manner of dresses for every occasion, fashionable athletic wear for riding and archery, and multiple sets of light armor.
“Thank you, Princess,” Tyla said, bowing slightly. “I’ve never?—”
“Oh shut it,” Callinora begged. “It’s the least I can do.”
“It’s perfect,” Tyla reiterated.
“Then enjoy it.”
Without anything keeping her, Tyla quickly ran to the bed and leapt face first into the cloud-like pillows. The bone-white duvet fluffed around her and created a sort of blockade slowlyconsuming her. All Ingrid could see was Tyla’s big smile as the stone door closed with a thud.
Callinora brushed her hands together, rubbing off any excess dust. “Alright. Who’s next?”
Raidinn’s quarters were simpler but just as accommodating. White walls with beige and forest green accents, a large bed that sat high on a light wood frame engraved with a lion’s head at the backboard, and mirrors lining the wall behind it. Next to the dresser was a cushioned daybed upholstered in shining amber. And lastly, in the section that clearly piqued Raidinn’s attention, was a training station complete with a wall of weapons and armor in the south corner, where his view of the city sparkled in the fading moonlight.
He bowed silently as the heavy door closed him inside.
Next was Ingrid.
Callinora waited a moment before opening the door, darting her slitted, intense eyes between her and Dean.
“You alright?” Ingrid asked her, genuinely concerned. After consuming more of that shining blue liquid than Ingrid thought was physically possible, it was a wonder she was still standing.
“I’m quite fine.” The princess straightened up, like she was waiting for them to give orders on what to do next. When they didn’t, only stared back in confusion, she reluctantly opened her mouth to clarify, “I wasn’t sure if you wanted separate rooms?”
“Yes, we—” Dean started.
“Separate rooms, please,” Ingrid finished.
“Right.”
The princess braced her back against the wall, just like she’d done with the other two hefty entrances, but Dean stepped forward and politely asked if he could take over. Callinora abided, rolling her eyes indiscreetly once Dean was facing away from her. Considering the princess’s current romantic status, it didn’t seem she had any patience for Dean’s silly flirting.
None the wiser, Dean pushed the door open with ease and then gave a semi-serious bow, waiting for Ingrid to pass him before he lifted his head.
“Thank you,” she said, “How kind.” She was slightly embarrassed that Callinora was still watching, but if she was honest with herself, Dean’s drunken chivalry was more than amusing. She couldn’t help giggling as she stepped inside her room.
“How do you like it?’ Dean asked.
“I, uhh, I’m not sure.”
She couldn’t see anything. It was pitch black. Couldn’t even make out her hand as she held it directly in front of her. She tentatively shuffled inside, searching with her arms, but still found only darkness in front of her. It took a few steps until a faint outline of yet another door appeared.
She turned to Callinora. “Are you sure we’re at the right place?”
Callinora took a frustrated step forward. “Oh, how thoughtless of me! Forgot this room comes with a little added security. Go on, simply push through. It’s only a dresser.”
Ingrid walked with her hand out until she could feel the thick wooden door. She labored for a few moments before Dean joined her side, springing the dresser door free.
“Wonderful!” Callinora gave three dull claps of her hands. “What a pair you two make. Now go on. Aren’t you going to look around your room?”
Ingrid took the short leap from the enormous dresser and into her chambers. Starting from her immediate left, she saw a rolling rack of clothes that seemed to have just been brought in, full of gowns and dresses and all manner of casual wear. Next to that was a balcony so wide it seemed to stretch out for miles like a parapet hanging over the castle. And in the corner, by the bed,was a stone fireplace and a library standing ten feet high, just like her hostess’s room at the top of the castle.
