Throne of Llewyllan (Book 2) by Ben Cassidy Read Free Book Online

entrance, winding around a large statue of a knight on horseback slaying a dragon. From there the path was bordered on each side by pairs of well-trimmed trees that led all the way to the palace’s front steps.
    A large garden stretched off to the left of the palace, all the way to the inside north wall of the castle. Several sparkling fountains and rows of brightly colored flowers were visible, along with the occasional stone bench for relaxing. In the middle of the expansive garden was a large hedge maze. To the right of the palace was a large pond, shimmering in the late afternoon sunshine. Two white swans drifted silently across its surface like majestic monarchs.
    There were other buildings in the courtyard. Directly to the left of the statue was a squat and unimpressive building, made of stark red brick with long dark windows. In it were the war and administrative offices of the monarchy, along with the many other divisions of the Llewyllian bureaucracy. Beyond that was the low shape of the armory huddled against the northwestern wall, and alongside it the stables. To the right of the statue was a small chapel. Behind it, jutting up against the southern wall, was a storage buildings for food and other supplies. Beside that, just south of and adjacent to the western gate through which the group was entering, was the barracks for the Royal Guard.
    As they entered the courtyard, the soldiers halted before the statue in the center, standing at attention until an officer finally dismissed them. The royal carriage lumbered up to the front steps of the palace. Several servants rushed forward to open the door and threw down a footstool for the princess.
    Serentha emerged, blinking in the bright sunshine. She was followed a moment later by Maklavir. Lord Bathsby and Lord Whitmore rode up at the same time, then dismounted and handed their horses over to the servants. They both bowed before the princess.
    Serentha motioned them to rise. “I’m sure my father is anxious to see me,” she said. “I would like to introduce him to the friends who have risked so much on my behalf.” She glanced behind her eagerly. “Where are Joseph and Kendril?”
    “Right here,” said Kendril as he walked up, Simon sauntering along behind him. “Last I saw of Joseph he was back by the stables.” He looked over his shoulder, and shaded his eyes against the sun. “There he is.”
    Joseph came up the gravel trail between the two rows of trees, his rapier jingling against his side as he walked. He bowed as he came forward. “Your Highness.”
    A crowd of servants and nobles was quickly forming on the steps. All bowed at the sight of Serentha.
    Kendril suddenly realized that one woman in particular, standing half-hidden amongst the mass of people, was staring intently at him. Her eyes were a mesmerizing golden-brown, glowing like two pieces of bright amber. Long raven hair fell down past her bare, pale-white shoulders.
    As quickly as the Kendril saw her, however, the woman vanished, lost amid the milling crowd.
    The princess smiled, looking down at the three young men. “I hope you will all join my father and I for dinner tonight. I would be most delighted to have your company.”
    Maklavir gave a stately bow. “Of course, Your Highness.”
    Joseph shifted nervously, and nodded his head as well.
    Kendril’s eyes searched the crowd, but the mysterious woman was gone. He looked back at Serentha. She was looking at him as well, her blue eyes strangely sad.
    “You will forgive me, Your Highness,” said Bathsby, “but I am afraid I must ask your leave to be excused. There are certain matters of state I must see to before dinner.”
    She nodded. “Of course, Lord Bathsby.”
    He kissed her hand, then hurried down the steps, joined by one of his captains as he walked across the lawn towards the administrative building.
    Lord Whitmore stepped up next to Serentha. “Perhaps you would like to join me for a stroll in the garden before dinner, Your