If she thought the outside was stunning, it had nothing on the interior. Even though the entire castle was made of black marble, the floor to ceiling windows allowed plenty of light inside to highlight the gold webbing in the stone.

Evelyn couldn’t help her expression. Eyes wide, filled with awe and wonder. Mouth hanging open with delight and amazement. She gripped onto Alexi’s arm just a little tighter as she allowed him to lead her through the halls, unable to tear her eyes from the stunning architecture and decor.

The interior decorations were simple, in the typical Leon colors of blue and white, but elegant and timeless. From the antique blue curtains, to the white marble vases holding dozens of small, white, bell-shaped blooming flowers, Lily of the Valley. The colors provided excellent contrast against the black walls. She had never fancied herself a decorator but she definitely had a thing to learn from theirs.

Alexi stopped abruptly, causing Evelyn to nearly stumble. She gripped onto his arm even tighter in an attempt to keep herself upright when she brought her attention back around to a figure standing in front of her.

Evelyn found herself standing in a grand hall with ground-sweeping, white curtains draping from the cathedral ceilings. Standing in the center of the room was a tall, black beauty.

Queen Florence, wife of King Alexander, consort of Leon, mother of the Prince, and vampire Queen, towered before her. She was more striking than any portrait could do justice. Her long black hair swept past her waist, perfectly straight and tame. Only the front pieces of her hair framing her face were pinned back under a golden tiara. Her skin was milky, flawless and pale as the moon. Her golden eyes, same as Alexi’s, matched that of the marbling in the black walls. Each facet different in hue and color.

Evelyn let go of Alexi, instantly curtsying deeply, her knees almost grazing the smooth stone beneath her feet. She kept her head bowed, eyes cast on the floor, waiting to be addressed.

“Please, my daughter. Let’s not stand on such formalities,” the Queen spoke, her voice clear and powerful, echoing off the hollow chamber.

Evelyn stood up straighter, raising her blue eyes to meet the Queen’s golden ones. She smiled brightly, feeling giddy over the fact that the Queen has just addressed her as a daughter. For reasons unknown to her, this had her feeling accepted and wanted. It wouldn’t be a fortnight until her and the Prince were wed, but the idea that Queen Florence already considered her a member of the royal house of Leon, left her feeling relieved.

“Thank you, my Queen,” Evelyn spoke, proud that her voice didn’t betray the bats beating within her. “Castle Silencia is even more beautiful than the texts claim. Not even the painting by dear Pablo Frenzie could do this home justice.”

Pablo Frenzie was one of the most highly sought after artists of her generation. He traveled throughout Glaciel, to every Kingdom that paid his worth, painting whatever the payee desired. One of his most famous paintings was the very one she had mentioned. Nearly ten years ago he had visited Castle Silencia. Commissioned to paint the very castle she stood in. They say it took him four months out in the snow to complete.

Evelyn had been lucky enough to see it at an exhibit of his and the painting was certainly breathtaking. She could have stood there for hours admiring each brushstroke, but nothing could do Kingdom Leon’s capital justice.

Queen Florence placed her hand over her heart, gasping with delight. As though Evelyn had just paid her Highness the highest compliment imaginable.

“Thank you my dear. Pablo certainly is talented. I loved his interpretation of our dear home, but it seems no one can quite capture the true essence of these old stones,” Queen Florence smiled widely. Her pristine teeth shining in the sunlight that streamed in through the windows, accenting the sharp points needed to feed. That is, until she turned on her eldest son and frowned. “My dear Alexi. How rude of you not to introduce me properly to your bride-to-be. I know I raised you better than that son.”

Evelyn couldn’t help the smirk that threatened to tug at the corner of her lips. She had just watched the Queen of Leon scold the crowned Prince and he actually looked ashamed.

“Forgive me, mother. Evelyn, this is Queen Florence of Leon. Mother, this is Evelyn. Princess of Celia, Second daughter of King Linus, and my future bride,” Alexi announced formally and void of all emotion.

Evelyn couldn’t help the nagging feeling of doubt that crept under her skin but she quickly shook it off.

The Queen approached her, arms open wide, expecting an embrace. Evelyn didn’t dare to refuse, so she stepped into the tall Queen that towered over her by almost a foot, and informally hugged her. Queen Florence’s skin was as cold as the snow that blanketed the castle grounds, but thanks to the fire that danced just beneath her skin, it didn’t affect her as much.

Queen Florence kissed Evelyn on each of her cheeks before pulling back. “Forgive me! I almost forgot. Evelyn, I’d like you to meet my daughter, Natalia, Princess of Leon.”

Evelyn had missed the presence of Alexi’s younger sister who had been standing beside the Queen the entire time. The young woman was a black beauty, much like her mother. Same hair, eyes, and slender frame, except she was much shorter than the Queen, which was honestly a relief to Evelyn. She was sure if she had to look up any longer, her neck would surely be damaged.

Princess Natalia stepped forward. A bright smile filled her face as she bowed to Evelyn in greeting. The Princess had a much different demeanor than her older brother. Evelyn could tell from the energy that the Princess exuded, she was eager to please, with a sunny disposition. If Natalia was the sun, Alexi was most certainly the silver moon that lurked behind the cover of night.