At long last, Gyla stepped out of the carriage to smell the salt air mixed with the pine trees. Aedon Castle loomed over her with its limestone and cannons. A sturdy structure of history and power. The town of Aveka, named after Aedon’s granddaughter who did not live to adulthood, chattered below. Preparations for the festival were in full swing as the fisherman returned to the harbor with the catches of the day. 

Queen Farida demanded a tour for her ladies, but that would happen tomorrow. They all needed a rest from the carriages and sleeping in tents. Supper was served in the main hall and many retired after. Gyla followed them, unable to really keep her eyes open. 

Duke Dominis approached her, but upon seeing her tired eyes, changed direction. Gyla accepted the sting of her pride. She needed to sleep. 

Gyla woke a little refreshed the next morning. Naomi prepared a bath for her and helped her dress. She braided her hair back, explaining the high winds of the cliffs. A simple dress was chosen, easily tied down to avoid any mishaps with the wind. 

“We only have summer dresses, my lady.”

“Are you cold, Naomi?” Gyla turned in her chair to frown at her maid. 

“I will be fine but your sleeves offer little protection from the wind.” Naomi frowned as she ransacked the room to find any sort of cloak that would protect her lady. 

“My usual cloak will satisfy when we go outside.” Glya stood from her chair and headed for the corridor. A bitter chill filled the hall. 

“You have a thin shawl…?” Naomi followed her with one of her spring shawls. The fabric almost see through. 

“That should be fine.” Gyla wrapped the cloth tightly around her and headed down to break fast. 

Duke Dominis rose from his chair as she entered the room. A casual platter of fruits, bread, and pastries lined a long table. 

“Lady Gyla.” He shed his jacket immediately and approached to wrap it tightly around her. 

“Oh my.” Queen Farida held a hand to her mouth. “Lady Gyla, I apologize. I should have ensured you had some proper shawls before leaving the palace.” 

“I am alright, Your Majesty.” Gyla curtsied to her. 

“You packed only for the southern courts?” Duke Dominis frowned down at her. 

“Lady Gyla caught my eye at the banquet. Her invite to Aedon was very last minute,” Farida explained. 

“I will make sure to get something more appropriate from the town,” he promised and turned to Urros, the steward, who nodded quickly and disappeared. “In the meantime, please use my jacket.”

Before Gyla could refute in modesty, Farida clapped her hands together and grinned at them both. 

“Thank you for your kindness! I will ensure to pay you back for my short sightedness,” she promised. He tried to refute but her smile dropped and she raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem with that, my good duke?”

“No, Your Majesty.” He gave a small bow and gestured to them to sit. “I hope an informal affair would be appropriate.”

“Oh, yes! My ladies are coming shortly.” Farida waved a dismissive hand and picked at the fruit. “Come, Lady Gyla.” 

Her ladies joined them, chattering excitedly about the castle and exploring. 

“Would a tour be possible this afternoon, Duke Dominis?” Farida bit into a pastry, humming in pleasure at the taste. “Oh, try this one!”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I would be glad to give you all a tour.” Gyla caught a small smile stretching his cheeks as the ladies delighted in the pastries. 

The duke caught her stare and she ducked her head to hide her obviousness. 

Lady Sylvia leaned in close, eyes shining with mischief. 

“Does he smell nice?” 

Gyla’s face exploded with heat and she tried to hide in the overly large fabric. She wanted to sink to the floor and bury her nose in the duke’s neck. 

He smelled divine. 

It would certainly stir more fantasies for later that night, but Gyla endeavored to not let the thought get to her. Pastries. There were pastries to eat.