Chapter 13

**Odette’s point of view: The unexpected reunion. **

The sun has already begun to set, when we finally reached a courtyard of an imposing castle with white stone walls. When the carriage door opened, very pale, but friendly young men, wearing the same royal blue uniforms as the couch men and guards, stood there with outstretched arms; eager to help us get safely off the carriages.

The couch men stayed on the carriage, not moving an inch from their posts. While the guards who also accompanied us, also got off the carriage the same time we did and started to unloading our luggage from the attached trunk. Afterwards, I just saw them quickly disappearing into the mysterious castle, with our suit cases in hand. I gently squeezed my mom’s hand, but before I could ask her about the suit cases, mom just turned to me and said with a soft smile on her lips:

Sofia: “Don’t worry my dear, they are just taking it to the sleeping quarters, were we will be staying in for the night.”

I still felt a bit uneasy, but didn’t show it. Instead I just nodded my head and gave my mom a small smile, before we continued walking up the steps.

When we finally got to the top of the steps, a large dark blue carpet was spread out, over the rest of the floor. We then continued walking through a large stony archway, leading to an enormous dark wooden door, that slowly opened up when we approached it.

I also noticed two armed guards, positioned on each side of the wooden door, when we walked passed them, they didn’t even acknowledge our presence, so I decided to not pay them anymore mind.

When we entered the castle, we were greeted by an enormous entrance hall, with beautiful furniture, placed throughout the whole room. Everywhere I look, there are also large candlesticks, attached to the stone walls. Brightening up the entrance hall and passageway, that’s laid out in front of us.

As I glanced around the entrance hall, one of the paintings hanging against the wall, caught my eye and immediately enchanted me with its mysterious aura!

It is a portrait of a woman standing with her back facing the front. She has greyish, silver hair gleaming in the moonlight and large, beautiful blue shaded wings that covers most of her features...

Mom, dad and the rest of our company walked ahead. While admiring the painting for a bit longer, I stayed behind in the hallway and barely even noticing their absences.

As I studied it more closely, I saw a small inscription written in a very elegant stile, on the bottom half of the portrait. With the writing that read: She who saved us all, Odessa the fairy Goddess.

As I was standing lost in thought, I didn't notice someone approaching me from behind, until he cleared his throat right next to me!

Stranger: “Good evening, Odette.”

I quickly lifted up my head and stared into familiar, soft hazelnut eyes, I thought I would never see again. Excitement started to overwhelm me and a smile slowly spread across my face.

With a strange sparkle in his eyes, Alex stared at me with an unexpected intensity that made my heart flutter. Then I suddenly realize, that we are standing in the hallway of a strange castle, located in a strange and different kingdom.

Odette: “Alex, it is really you, I didn't think I would ever cross paths with you again, especially not here in the vampire realm of all places…”

Odette: “It is really wonderful to see you!”

Odette: “After all this time, I hope you are healthy and doing well?

Odette: “Why are you here, in the vampire realm and what brings you to the Emperor's castle of all places?

Without taking a breath, I quickly glanced in the direction of his arm and continued with my questing…

Odette: “Before I forget to ask, how is your wound and are you fully recovered yet?”

Finally done with the questioning, I looked up at him with burning cheeks and an embarrassed look that crossed my face.

Odette: “I apologise for overwhelming you with all my questions, usually I’m much more reserved than this. I don’t know what came over me…”

With a teasing glint in his eyes, Alex just raised up his hand and waived my apology away and warmly smiled at me.

Alexander: “No need for apologies, you can ask me as many questions as you want! I will try my best to answer your questions as thoroughly as I can.”

Wit Alex’s warm and calming tone of voice and beautiful smile, my feeling of embarrassment, gradually disappeared and instead a warm and pleasant feeling engulfed my senses.

Alexander: “I am also attending the festivities here in the castle, because the peace treaty celebrations between the three kingdoms, is a very special event; that personally means a lot to me.”

Without saying anything, I just lifted an eyebrow, when I noticed the intensity and weight, which he said those last words with…