The night was long, but the day was longer.

After hours spent in the saddle. The sun was already high in the sky, blinding her as it reflected off the snow on the ground. Evelynn could just make out the silhouette of a castle nestled against a mountain, high above a snaking river.

The closer they got, the farther her jaw dropped. The castle was stunning. Sleek lines, high arches, towering pillars, and all made out of onyx marble. How they managed to get such a heavy stone up the side of the mountain and build the magnificent beast, was beyond her, but nevertheless she was enjoying its beauty.

None of the history books did Castle Silencia any justice. The gargoyles that were perched along the top of the balustrades, were beautifully carved into demons, realistic enough to frighten even the purest away.

The look of the castle was gothic in nature.The age of the castle was unknown, but it predated the arrival of humans. So, it was fair to say it was old. The fact that it was still standing was a testament to the architects. Their perfect placement of each stone, using the pressure of the surrounding stones to keep it all in place was genius.

“You know, if you stare any longer, you might actually go blind.”

Evelyn turned in her saddle to find Alexi riding alongside her. A mocking smirk, played on his thin, red lips. The sight of it irritated her enough to the point her hands began to feel increasingly hot. She flexed her grip on her reins, reigning in her temper as she took in deep, cool breaths.

Ignoring his comment, she urged her mare forward, closing the gap between herself and the KingsGuard. The black metal gates opened at the site of the precession, allowing their party through. Evelyn admired the black towers that stood guard over the castle and its occupants. The royal crest was engraved in the marble near the entrance, reminding all those who enter, who holds the power in this land.

Servants approached them as they neared the main entrance to the castle, wearing the standard Leon colors of blue and white. Evelyn slid out of her saddle as one of the male butlers took hold of her horse's reins.

She straightened up as her feet hit the ground, attempting not to visibibly wince as her back protested with each pop of her vertebrates. Alexi strolled up beside her with a knowing smirk and held out his arm for her to take. Holding her head up high, she laid her hand along his forearm and followed him inside.