Under the Oak Tree: Season 1 (Side Story) by Suji Kim

Author:Suji Kim [Kim, Suji]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: RIDI
Published: 2023-02-07T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

“Finally,” Hebaron muttered. “I can’t wait to eat and drink as much as I want.”

The burly knight’s voice was brimming with anticipation as he walked his mount up to Riftan’s.

As they entered the castle, Riftan took in a sharp breath. It had been ten years since he had last been here. Old memories stirred awake at every familiar sight. The shrubs and colorful flowers lining the paved path caught his eye as he passed. Finally, the main castle came into view.

“I knew about the duke’s reputation,” said Ursuline, “but I must say, I am impressed.”

The knight was a scion of a prominent noble house, yet his voice was filled with awe as he looked up at the magnificent structure.

After dismounting and entrusting the reins to the servants, the knights climbed the marble steps in single file. They passed through arched doors that towered twenty kevettes [9] high and found themselves in a hall glowing golden in the light of thousands of candles.

The expansive space seemed to contain every luxury one could possibly imagine. A chandelier hung from the domed ceiling, illuminating everything below, and each window was fitted with glass. Riftan was scrutinizing the gilded suits of armor lining the plaster-white walls with barely concealed disgust when a haughty voice rang out.

“I have heard the victorious news. You have done well.”

The duke sauntered down the stairs escorted by his personal guards.

“The royal knights arrived last night. I have prepared rooms for you as well, so do make yourselves comfortable.”

Triton stepped forward. “We are grateful for your hospitality, Your Grace.”

The Duke of Croyso silently appraised the commander before nodding to the maidservants waiting in the wings.

“Show our guests to their rooms.”

As soon as the order was issued, dozens of servants scurried down the stairs. The knights followed them across the hall while a group of giggling noblewomen observed them from the second-floor landing.

Riftan wondered if they were the wives of the knights attending the banquet. Feeling like a spectacle, he scowled in irritation. It was at that moment that his gaze snagged on the woman who stood at the end of the hallway.

Riftan froze. Although the shadows she was hiding in made it impossible to distinguish her face, he could tell that her hair was as dark as red wine. He gulped through his constricted throat. When he unwittingly took a step toward her, the woman grew flustered and ducked behind a pillar.

“Sir Riftan? Is something the matter?”

Gabel Lachzion was looking at Riftan with a baffled expression. Riftan managed to regain his composure and turned around.

“No, it’s nothing.”

There was no telling if the woman was her or not. Regardless of the answer, it was none of his concern. He strode away while berating himself for dwelling on a decade-old memory. Even when he was back in his room, however, his anxiety did not go away.

He raked back his hair and flung open the window. Dusk was falling on the expansive gardens he often used to cut through hauling carts of horse dung or firewood.

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