Post by Elena Sandoval on Aug 18, 2014 12:46:09 GMT -5
The journey from Nacimiento to the capital city of Seravino was blessedly uneventful and passed swiftly enough. Elena had been able to feel the subtle shifts of temperature and air quality as they traveled, the warmth growing steadily as they entered the river that would convey the Duke and his betrothed to the city situated at the river's fork. Duefuemi, she knew it was called, named for the two rivers that converged at that single point. The castle, Elena was told, was easily seen from the river, raised to a defensible point. There, Niccolo informed her, she would meet his father and sisters.
Were she another young woman, she might feel some trepidation at the prospect, but she merely took it in stride. His family had surely been alerted to the likelihood that Niccolo would return with his prospective bride, the better to grant her time and means to learn the customs of Seravino and to grow accustomed to her new role as the Duchess of the region. Elena was well prepared to assume the mantle of lady of the house, aware that Niccolo's sister Elisabeta currently filled that role. She hoped to befriend each of his sisters, yet refrained from deluding herself that her presence would be welcomed warmly or accepted swiftly.
As they disembarked from the barge that conveyed them to the city and traveled through its streets towards the castle, Elena perused her new home, wondering what the new beginning would mean not only for her, but for all of them. Change, certainly, but she was intrigued to see whether that change would prove positive. Finally, as they rolled to a halt, she drew in a deep breath and squared her shoulders to step out into her new beginnings.
Allegra Montefiore, Niccolo Montefiore