Chapter 17

Lord Malcolm's carriage went across the great gate of the King's castle the following day early in the morning. The steady sound of horses' feet pounding on the cobbled road soothed the fret of the weary passengers. After the big journey they were forced to undergo over rough roads, jolting each time the carriage fell into potholes was a great relief to all, and the view from the carriage windows rewarded them.

The road to the castle door was amidst a lush green landscape of various trees, fruit-bearing and not, and colorful, fantastic gardens. Skye caught sight of a round wooden gazebo and thought it would be a great treat if she had the chance to take her tea there and enjoy the lovely view while reading a book, or better yet, she could paint the garden or part of it.

There were so many flowers, and as if they had made a secret agreement, they mixed their various scents to create a unique blend.

Skye opened the window a crack and closed her eyes as she took deep breaths, enjoying th