Chapter 2: The Cursed Castle is her New Home
The Royal carriage stopped right outside the huge iron gates of the Cursed Castle.
Sera helped Annalise climb down the carriage before she moved away to assemble all of the belongings from the carts that the Princess had brought with her.
"Your Highness, according to the agreement, only you can enter the castle. All of us will wait here for your news." The head of the royal guards, that had followed Annalise on her father’s order, informed her.
It wasn’t like Annalise wasn’t aware of this part of the agreement, she just wanted to take a few more minutes to prepare herself. She had no idea what was awaiting her on the other side of the iron gates.
Taking in a deep breath, she started walking towards the huge black-painted gates that were covered with vines. It seemed like the gates had not been opened for ages. Even the wall surrounding the castle grounds was covered in moss and vines.
Annalise took another deep breath before she placed her right palm against the gates and felt the soft tingles of magic working its way to her hand. The protection ward surrounding the Cursed Castle was trying to recognize her. She wondered if the ward would allow her to enter or not.
Her question was answered within a couple of seconds as a warm feeling took over her palm and the gates of the castle started moving, opening a passage to allow her entry.
Annalise felt her heart starting to race once again as the thought of finally meeting her husbands entered her brain. Gripping the skirt of her dress with her fingers in nervousness, she took the first step forward, and then she hurriedly strode inside the gates before she could have changed her mind.
The sound of the gates closing shut behind her pulled her attention toward the huge iron gates to only find that she no longer had the option of changing her mind. The only option left for her now was to move forward but as she finally paid attention to her surroundings, she realized that something was seriously wrong.
Just a couple of seconds ago when she was standing outside the gates, the sky was clear with a bright moon and millions of stars filling it.
However, after entering the castle grounds, Annalise found that the moon and stars had disappeared, and the sky was filled with dark clouds. A strong chilly wind was blowing and even lightning could be seen through the dark clouds. It seemed like a storm was on its way.
Thankfully, Annalise had her enhanced eyesight to help her out or she wouldn’t have survived the walk across the castle ground as there were countless statues, broken fountains, and benches scattered all over the place.