Page 38 of A Crown Without Mercy

“They were created before the original war as a gift.”

“One wouldn’t know they were so old by looking at them.”

“It took dozens of blacksmiths to create the gates.”

“How did they color it?”

“It is said that a powerful Faye Lord conjured the colors and the creatures. They appear only in ancient scrolls.”

“What? A Faye?”

“Yes. The Faye legend’s say there was a powerful Faye Priestess that could transform herself into the creature known as a Griffin.”

“Like a shifter?” she asked.

“Yes,” Klyn replied.

Sylvana thought about Amarok and everything he had said to her, which brought about another wave of anxiety. Klyn turned around, snapped the reins, and the horses languidly walked through the gates. The most exquisite courtyard she had ever seen stretched before her, and was protected by a solid stone wall which faded into the distance.My god,I can’t imagine what the inside looks like if this is the outside.Exotic, flowering plants lined the smooth, marble walkways, while wisteria vines climbed the courtyard walls, and a multitude of aged trees grew thick and wild, while lush bushes were sculpted into various animals, birds, and figures.

Klyn pulled the horses to a halt, hopped off the seat. Once again he opened the door and took her hand in his. “In case you were wondering, I will escort you home whenever you are ready.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll walk you in, and then we will part ways.”

She took a deep breath and smiled nervously at Klyn. She held up her dress with one hand while Klyn held onto the other. With each stride up the smooth, white marble steps, she inhaled deeply, feeling as though she was moving in slow motion. Klyn nodded at two well-dressed gentlemen who were standing on either side of the enormous wood doors.

“Milady, welcome,” one of them said as they pulled the doors open.

Sylvana did her best not to laugh, knowing she was not a member of the court.

As they walked in, two young ladies, dressed in gray, were awaiting their arrival. “Good evening, milady. Are you thirsty?”

“Yes. I am,” Sylvana replied.

The young lady held out a silver tray; Sylvana reached for a gold goblet and took a generous sip. She swallowed the smooth liquid and the sweetest flavor of ripened cherries, and a hint of spice caressed her tongue.This tastes amazing!“Thank you.”

Klyn chuckled when Sylvana raised an eyebrow and peered into her goblet. “I think I’ll join you. Tis good, yes?”

“Incredible.” Sylvana smiled.

“Sylvana, welcome,” Kieran said.

Her body flinched when Kieran’s voice startled her. “Kieran?” she replied.

“Klyn, good to see you,” Kieran said, as he walked over and grasped his forearm.

Klyn returned the gesture and pulled him in for a quick embrace.

Sylvana stared at Kieran, who was only wearing a pair of impeccably tailored, ivory-colored cotton trousers; the only distraction from his muscular chest was a geometrical shaped, garnet pendant hanging from a gold chain with oval links.

“How was the ride?” Kieran asked.

Klyn looked at Sylvana and winked. “Uneventful, other than Sylvana being nervous when a wolf appeared near the road.”

In that moment, Sylvana felt like she was going to vomit and leave a burgundy pool at their feet. She placed her hand across her stomach and did her best to smile nonchalantly. “It—I enjoyed the ride.”

Klyn laughed as he finished his wine and set the goblet back on the tray. “I’ll see myself out. Sylvana, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Enjoy your evening.”

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