CHAPTER 28: ARRIVING AT THE MANSION

The carriage rattled to a halt, and after the door was opened Ian stepped down onto the cobbled path with his cloak still drawn over his head. He stretched his legs, rolling his shoulders. "Finally," he muttered, "I thought my back was going to fuse with that seat."

Lyra followed him out, straightening her simple gown as she landed softly beside him. Ian turned to her with a small frown. "Ah damn, I left my bag in the palace. My phone... everything’s in there." He sighed, running a hand through his hair under the hood. "Listen, Lyra, you’ll have to go get it for me later. I can’t survive without my things, especially not my phone. Even if it doesn’t work here, it’s still mine."

Lyra bowed her head obediently. "Yes, my lord. I will make the arrangements as soon as possible."

He gave her a small smile, glad that at least someone in this place listened to him without an argument. "Thanks. You’re a lifesaver."

When he lifted his gaze from her, Ian finally took in the sight before him. The mansion loomed tall and proud, its polished stone walls gleaming in the twilight. The edges of the structure were sharp yet graceful, the windows adorned with intricate carvings that spoke of wealth and care. The steps leading to the massive doors were spotless, and lanterns placed along the path glowed with a soft, magical light. Ian whistled low under his breath. "Well, I’ve got to hand it to her. For someone who keeps me locked up like a prisoner, at least she knows how to pick nice real estate."

Lyra smiled faintly but kept quiet, her eyes downcast.

The doors opened slowly and from within stepped two women. They moved with poise, their robes flowing like water. Both were striking in their own way, but their expressions set them apart.

The first woman had soft, gentle features. Her eyes carried warmth, her lips curved in a natural kindness that made Ian instantly feel at ease. She gave a graceful bow and said in a voice like calm water, "Welcome, my lord. We have been expecting you."

The second woman stood just behind her. Her beauty was sharp, arresting in a way that demanded attention, but her expression was hard. Her eyes were piercing, her lips pressed in a thin line as though she had no patience for pleasantries. Unlike her companion, she made no bow, only a curt nod of acknowledgment.

Ian blinked, his gaze flicking between them. "Wow. Alright then. You two must be part of the welcoming committee."

The gentler woman smiled. "You could say that, my lord. We have been appointed to attend to your needs while you remain here."

Ian raised his brows. "Attend to my needs, huh? You sure you’ve got the job description right? Sounds like something out of a bad soap opera."

Lyra shot him a warning glance, but he ignored it, turning his attention to the second woman. Her fierce eyes had not softened once, her expression like stone. Ian studied her for a moment, then smirked. "You know, you’ve got a pretty face. Really beautiful. But here’s the thing....would it kill you to smile?"

The silence after Ian’s teasing remark lingered like a storm cloud. Her eyes narrowed further, sharp as daggers, but before she could lash out, the other woman stepped forward with a warm smile. She tilted her head slightly, her black hair slipping over her shoulder like silk.

"Forgive her, my lord," she said in a calm, almost melodic voice. "She isn’t fond of words that aren’t necessary. I am Chloe." She gestured lightly toward herself before extending her hand gracefully in greeting.

Ian accepted the hand, his grin widening. "Chloe. Now that’s a name that doesn’t make me nervous." He shook her hand and then nodded toward the silent, fierce-eyed woman. "And this one? The one who looks like she’s trying to figure out if I should be standing here alive or in the ground?"

Chloe’s smile softened further, but there was something wry about it too. "This is Piper," she said gently, her voice almost coaxing. "Do not take her sharpness as hostility, my lord. She serves with loyalty, though she prefers not to smile as you requested."

Piper folded her arms, unmoved by Chloe’s words. "If he earns respect, I will give it," she said flatly.

Ian chuckled, lifting his hands in surrender. "Fair enough, Piper. I’ll keep my jokes to myself... for now. I’m Ian, though I guess you already knew that."

Neither woman seemed surprised at the name. Chloe inclined her head with calm politeness, while Piper only gave another curt nod.

Ian rubbed the back of his neck. "So... now that we’ve all introduced ourselves, what happens next? Do we sit down for tea? Do I get a tour? Or maybe you’ve got some big welcoming feast planned?"

Piper finally spoke, her voice carrying no hesitation. "No. You will get ready for training."

The grin slid right off Ian’s face. "Training?" He blinked and let out a dry laugh. "Already? I just got here. Shouldn’t I at least get a nap, maybe a hot meal or something that doesn’t involve sweat and bruises?"

Piper’s expression did not change, not even slightly. "Yes, training. And yes, my lord. You should begin at once."

Ian stared at her for a long moment, completely exasperated. "You know, when people hear the word ’lord,’ they usually expect it to come with luxury. You all just keep saying it and then working me like a servant." He turned toward Chloe, raising his brows like a man looking for backup. "Chloe, right? Surely you don’t agree with her. Do I really need to start swinging swords and chanting spells this very minute?"

Chloe’s eyes shimmered with something close to amusement, though her composure remained polite. "It is not for me to decide, my lord. But Piper is correct. The sooner you begin, the better."

Ian sighed dramatically, dragging his hand down his face. "Unbelievable."

Piper turned, already walking toward the doors of the mansion. She glanced over her shoulder only briefly. "Come. Complaining wastes time."

Ian threw up his hands. "Oh, fantastic. She’s not just scary, she’s bossy too."

Lyra, who had been quiet at his side, leaned closer and whispered, "It would be wise to follow, my lord."

Ian muttered under his breath but shuffled after Piper all the same, tugging at the heavy robes the Queen had insisted he wear. "Fine, fine. Lead the way, Piper. But if I collapse out there, I’m haunting you in my next life."

Piper did not so much as twitch at his words. She led them through the grand hall of the mansion, Ian dragged his feet a little, still muttering complaints, but he followed her nonetheless.

Soon, they stepped out onto a path that wound around the mansion, and before long the yard behind the estate stretched out before them.