A small smile graced my lips, it was easy to imagine horse-drawn carriages making the same trip long ago.
When we finally parked before the main castle, Hannes exited the limo first, taking my hand to help me out while Dante and André followed—carrying my box. Zelin, Gustav, and the others exited the second limo.
I couldn’t help but offer a parting look to the two perfectly restored vintage cars as they left, I’d never seen anything like them.
Apparently, they were1937 Mercedes Landaulets, and from the way Hannes had answered the question when I asked, it told me cars were special to his family.
A couple of guards opened the main door for us, and we proceeded inside the castle, my jaw dropping the instant I did.
Now I understood why Zelin and Hannes said Rosu Castle wasn’t exactly a castle. They weren’t throwing shade. Compared to this, it really wasn’t.
“Holy shit...”
“I know.”
“And to think Hannes and Alyce grew up with this place as their little ol’ home…”Star whistled, doubling down, and I just nodded.
To be fair, the hall was only half illuminated by lanterns, given the fact that it was so late past midnight when we made it here, but it gave the place a mysterious quality I appreciated.
“Welcome to Swan Castle, Lady Natasha.”
“It’s Natalia right now,” I gently corrected the man who bowed at the waist, and I almost laughed at the look of horror spreading over his face.
“My most sincere apologies, Lady Natalia.” He bowed again.
“No worries.” I shrugged it off, stepping farther into the captivating space while Hannes placed a calming hand on the guard’s shoulder.
“It’s okay, Wylder. No harm done.”
“Thank you, Sir. Welcome back, Prince Gustav, Eisen Ritter, Princess Alyce…” he added, continuing to address the others.
It wasn’t lost on me that he welcomed André, Vanessa, and Dante with familiarity, saying it wasn’t the first time they came here.
“Maybe they’ve lived here too.”
“Maybe,”I agreed with Star.
Though the place was dimly lit, it was enough for my eyes to feast on its architecture—enjoying the frescoes, stained glass windows, and intricate mosaics all around me. I couldn’t wait to see this place tomorrow in the full light of day. Something told me it would take my breath away.
“All the rooms are ready, Prince Hannes,” another person announced, coming from the left hallway.
We turned to see an older man walking toward us while dressed in a very elegant suit. He offered us a pleasant smile as he vowed to everyone.
“Will you be requiring dinner? The chef and his staff are expecting my call…”
Hannes glanced back at us, expectant.
“No, thank you. I ate on the plane.” I offered with a small smile. “I’m just tired from the trip. I’d like to rest if that’s okay.”
“Of course, Lady Natalia.” The man bowed, proving he was better informed than the guard who greeted us.
“We’ll take a sandwich to our room, please, Wylder,” Vanessa answered with familiarity after André and Dante declined.
“Two croque monsieur?” he asked knowingly, and Alyce chuckled.
“You know it. Thank you and please thank Emerie for me. It was sweet of you to wait in case we were hungry.”
Grinning, the man bowed again and headed for the kitchen, I assumed.
