Visiting the Castle- Chapter 6

KEEGAN POV

As Ken follows the path from my dream my breath hitches in my throat. Part of me wants to share my dream with him, however my rational side urges me to keep it to myself. I mean, who dreams about a place they’ve never been to then visits that very place the next day? Surely, he’ll think I’ve lost my mind. He’ll, I think I quite possibly have myself. I take a deep breath and mentally prepare myself for the rest of the tour and do my best to put on a smile, nervous as it may be. Soon, Ken comes to the fork in the path, but he turns to the right and I relax a bit.

“This takes us through my personal favorite part of the gardens – the rose garden – and then to the entrance to the castle.” Ken shares.

The pair drive along in silence as Keegan takes in the magnificent sights before her. The walls on either side are becoming increasingly lower and the path opens up to a rose garden. The rose bushes form a near complete circle around them, save for the path through, and on either side sit two stone benches.

“I’ve never seen so many roses blooming in one place, and the smell is incredible.” Keegan shares in awe.

“Precisely why it’s my favorite part” He smiles. “Now if you look just through there, you'll see the top of the castle coming into view.”

Keegan’s eyes widen with surprise. Knowing she would be seeing the castle and actually seeing it are two very different things.

Ken drives along down the path and the castle comes into full view. Just a few more minutes and they follow the circular drive up to the front steps.

“Would you like to go inside?” He asks with a near whisper as to avoid startling her.

With eyes as big as saucers she replies “hmm? In-inside, sure.” Snapping out of it a little she finishes; “I’m sorry, yes, of course. I guess I was a little mesmerized for a moment.”

“Quite alright, take your time getting acclimated. It’s a lot to take in.” He replies warmly.

KEEGAN POV

A lot to take in? Are you kidding me? I feel like I’ve been transported back in time. Sure, I’ve seen pictures of castles, and rode by what’s left of another on the way here, but this – this is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. The castle looks like it was just built; it doesn’t at all appear to be hundreds of years old. There’s no way.

Ken leads me up the steps and through the enormous front doors. Stepping in there appears to be a grand hall where I’m sure parties or balls must have been held at one time. It’s at least the size of two football fields with stone walls and a highly vaulted stone ceiling. For the amount of stonework, it doesn’t feel as cool as I would expect. It’s comfortable, almost cozy. Following a hallway to the right, we enter into a common room with red velvet couches, a huge fireplace, lifted tables, and to my surprise a TV! He did say it’s been modernized a bit, clearly he was telling the truth. On the windows hung red velvet curtains perfectly matching the couches – open just enough to let some natural light in. Speaking of modern, we enter the kitchen and it’s nothing like what I expected. Fully modernized with stainless steel appliances! I started to wonder – what is all of this for? Does someone live here?

“So, with everything so modernized, does that mean someone lives here?” She asks quizzically.

“You, if you wish.” He chuckles.

Keegan’s mouth drops open, but no sound comes out.

Still laughing Ken continues, “to fully answer your question, not exactly. Laura and I have taken care of it and seen to it’s preservation and updates, but it’s all been for your arrival and if you choose to take your rightful place on the throne.”

“The throne? Am I a Queen or something?” Keegan laughs nervously, nearly cackling.

“Or something” Ken answers.

Before she could open to mouth to speak, he continues, “come, it’s nearly lunchtime. We’ll come back tomorrow so you can see the leftwing and bedrooms.”

As they walk back towards the doors and pass through the common room, Keegan notices a flash of red and gold in the grand hall.

“Did you see that?” She questions.

“See wha-"

She takes off before he could finish sprinting towards an open window. By the time she gets there, the lights are gone. Against her better judgment, Keegan decides to climb up on the open window. Ken, confused, follows behind her watching curiously.

What’s gotten into her? He wonders.

Balancing herself with on hand on the smooth stone edge of the window, she leans out to see where it went; determined not to lose it this time. Suddenly, she notices the Phoenix statue from her dream. Gasping, she steps back losing her footing. Closing her eyes and bracing for impact with the cold hard ground a few feet below, she begins to feel everything swirling again - just like in her dream. Still bracing for impact, she reaches out for anything to steady her, yet suddenly finds herself in Ken's arms – across the room.

“What – how? I was just – and now I’m-"

He spoke cutting her off in an effort to calm her, “you’re okay, take a few deep breaths. I’ve got you.” He pulls her to his chest and she begins to relax.

At the same time, she thinks to herself, I barely know this man, but I feel so safe in his arms. And the dream I had about him – I’ve got to get to the bottom of this – even if I sound crazy for bringing it up.

“I can see you have something on your mind, come, let’s head back for lunch. There’s much to discuss.” Ken says knowingly.