The Bewitched Soul 23 Stay There

Soon after a day, they reached the Ostbarrow palace. The rusty iron gate squeaked open for the carriage to get inside. Julius stepped out of the castle and hurried to the other side of the carriage to open the door for Lord Alexander. Stepping out, Alexander saw the huge palace. The old palace was extended over the centuries. The pillars stood tall beyond the big entrance gate. There was a huge white statue of a lady, left to the garden. Alexander walked slowly, his eyes scanned his surrounding, noticing every minor detail. Julius was behind him, his eyes moved cautiously. As soon as they reached the palace door, an old man in a white and black suit opened the giant entrance door.

"Good morning, Lord Alexander. Welcome to the Ostabarrow palace,"

"I'm Robert, the butler." the old man bowed before Alexander.

"Good morning, Robert," Alexander's lips arched upwards to give a graceful smile.

"Good morning, Robert. I'm Julius, the butler of the Brookville palace." Julius's eyes didn't miss the strange look Robert's eyes.

"This way, please," Robert gave a sweet smile, making his wrinkles more prominent.

Entering the door, they saw a series of paintings hung on the walls of the huge hall. Those were the paintings of the great witches of all time. Looking one after another, Alexander's eyes carefully noticed each and every painting. In the end, he saw a lady's painting. She looked smarter and wiser than most. Her wisdom was evident in the brow and curve of her full lips. Her blackish violet eyes showed her soul. Her skin looked pale, but her face glowed with confidence. Her dainty nose was imposing. Long, wavy blonde hair, so smooth and silky, almost as it looked like a pastel painting. With her hair of wool and her head held high, she looked confident.

She was his mother. Alexander's face showed no emotions. He continued walking past the paintings and also his mother's painting as if he didn't know about her. Julius didn't miss his master's action and reaction towards this. It was the same painting, but this one had a golden frame around it.

Lord Gerard was standing on the stairs, looking at Alexander. He smiled when he noticed that Alexander didn't give any reaction when he saw the painting. He slowly climbed down the wooden stairs. Hearing to the footsteps, Alexander looked towards the approaching figure.

"Good morning, Alexander." Lord Gerard smiled widely.

"Good morning, Lord Gerard," Alexander smiled gently.

"Many years... after many years... you've grown to be the most powerful king. Just like your father," Lord Gerard admired how the little kid back then had grown up this big and powerful.

"Thank you, nice to meet you too." Alexander took two steps forward to give a hug.

The hug was warm and welcoming. Lord Gerard was tall, but Alexander was even taller than him.

"Come, I'll show you your room." Lord Gerard gestured him to walk beside him.

"My greetings to the great Lord Gerard," Julius bowed.

"Join us, Julius." Lord Gerard was happy to see him.

Climbing the stairs, they went straight to the guestroom. Alexander's room was adjacent to Lord Gerard's. Julius being the butler, had his room next to Lord Alexander's.