Chapter 1
~Juliet’s POV~
The expansive estate sprawled before me, its grandeur and majesty leaving my green eyes wide. The towering castle resembled something out of a fairytale, its spires and parapets reaching for the sky, their sharp edges jutting against the evening sun. The sight of the castle stirred in me a mixture of wonder and nostalgia as I stared in marvel. It had been so long since I last visited this place. Over twenty years had passed since I last spent a summer at the castle estate, so long ago...
I reflected on my situation, unable to feel the joy that being in the castle should bring. My uncle, the owner of the castle, had passed away a month ago. He was my father’s older brother, a pillar of support to us in our times of need. Though I knew I should feel some measure of contentment being back at the castle, the loss of my uncle weighed down on me. He had always been an important figure in our lives, providing unwavering support to both me and my parents whenever the need arose.
My uncle regarded me like a daughter, perhaps because he never bore children of his own. Growing up, he had held me close and been the one to care for me during times when my parents were unable to. Now, he was gone forever and the thought of never seeing him again filled my chest with pain. I thought about the kindness and love he had showered me with over the years, treating me like a prized jewel.
It was a complete surprise when I received a letter informing me that my uncle had left the castle grounds to me in his will. The enormity of the bequest stunned me, for the castle was no small property but a sprawling estate filled with the finest luxuries. My uncle had dedicated his entire life to building his wealth and pursuing a career instead of settling down and experiencing the simple joys of life. Unlike my father, who had fallen in love and chose a life of simplicity, my uncle had remained single, focused solely on the accumulation of material possessions.
I glanced around the expansive grounds and took in the many statues that adorned the estate. As I stared at them, a realization began to take shape in my mind. Perhaps my uncle’s closeness to me was due to a deep-seated regret at not having chosen the path of family and love. Maybe in me, he found solace from his sorrow.
I brought the car to a halt in front of the castle and looked up at the towering walls, my lips whispering softly, “No wonder he left it all to me...” As my gaze roamed over the grand facade, the magnitude of my uncle’s decision slowly sunk in. This castle wasn’t just a luxurious dwelling; it was a symbol of my uncle’s legacy, the tangible evidence of his lifetime of achievements. Now, it had all been passed on to me, the final beneficiary of his trust and affection.
A gust of cool evening air met me as I stepped out of the car, my fingers instinctively pushing back a strand of blonde hair that had escaped my black headband. As I looked up at the imposing structure before me, my rose-hued lips parted in wonder at the sheer size and grandeur of the castle. The evening sun had turned the stones of the castle a glowing golden hue, and the ornate turrets and battlements glittered in the dying light. The castle appeared as a fairytale fortress, a stark contrast to the modern world beyond its boundaries.
It was a sad thought that structures as splendid as this were no longer built in the modern world. In the place of such beauty, dull, modern constructs now dominated the landscape, a stark contrast to the elegance and craftsmanship of the past. The castle stood as a reminder of a bygone era, a time when artisans and craftsmen poured their hearts and souls into every detail of their creations. Now, such care and attention to detail were a rarity, and the world seemed all the more mundane for it.
I quickly shook myself out of my mesmerized state, my eyes refocusing on the castle entrance as the large doors swung open. Standing before me was a tall, handsome man, undoubtedly in his mid-to-late 30s, his golden locks styled in a sleek undercut. He donned the uniform of a butler, but it was evident that he took great care in his appearance, as the suit was immaculate. His striking ocean-blue eyes locked onto mine, causing a momentary flutter in my chest.
I couldn’t help but admire his physical attractiveness, and the tailored uniform he wore only added to his polished and put-together look. It was only when his intense gaze met mine that I snapped out of my admiring stupor, my heart skipping a beat in the process.
As I met his gaze, a strange mixture of excitement and nerves fluttered in my stomach. He stood tall, a model of elegance, and his eyes shone brilliantly in the dying light. The way he stood, exuding a dignified air, made me feel as though he was scrutinizing me from top to bottom, no doubt taking in every detail.
“Ummm... Hello. I am Juliet... Juliet Rockwood. Richard Rockwood was my uncle.” I introduced myself.
“Good evening.” The butler greeted politely, his voice formal and courteous. His gaze did not waver, and there was a subtle look of surprise in his eyes before he spoke again. “It is a pleasure to meet you, miss. The late Master Richard spoke very highly of you. My name is Nathaniel, the Head Butler of the castle.”
I nodded. “Nathaniel. A pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Miss Rockwood,” Nathaniel responded, his voice still maintaining the same formal tone. He shifted his weight slightly, his eyes still keenly studying me. “Please, come inside. I have prepared some refreshments in the great hall for your arrival.”
“Ah, yes, I almost forgot to mention. Master Rockwood’s former lawyer has arrived, too.” Nathaniel spoke as he began to gather my belongings. I couldn’t help but be surprised by how effortlessly he carried all the luggage, his strength concealed beneath the impeccable uniform.
As we made our way inside, I marveled at the ease with which the butler navigated the long corridors of the castle, carrying my heavy luggage as if it were no more than a feather. The smooth stone floor of the hallway echoed slightly under our footsteps, and I could not help but feel small and insignificant in this grand and majestic place. As we walked, I found it difficult to tear my gaze away from the lavish surroundings. The walls were lined with intricate tapestries and elegant sconces, each piece of decoration adding to the opulence of the castle. My heart thumped a little faster as I took in the sheer grandeur of my new home.
Nathaniel led me down the labyrinth of corridors, the castle’s interior vast and labyrinthine in its design. My footsteps echoed on the smooth stone floor, the sound lost in the high, vaulted ceilings that loomed overhead. The labyrinthine passageways seemed to go on forever, the dim light giving the corridor an almost supernatural air, making me feel as though I was walking through a dream.
After several minutes of walking, we reached the end of the lengthy corridor, coming upon a set of imposing double doors. Nathaniel paused, turning to face me. “This is the study, milady.” He said simply, gesturing to the ornately carved doors before us. “The lawyer is already waiting. He is more than willing to answer any queries you might have. Please, take as long as you need.”
I swallowed, my heart suddenly drumming in my chest. This was it. This was where I would find out the specifics of my uncle’s wishes. “Thank you, Nathaniel,” I responded, my voice steady despite my anxiety. I took a deep breath and pushed open the doors, stepping into the opulent study beyond.
The doors creaked loudly as I pushed them open, the sound like a booming echo in the silence of the study. The room was grand, lined with dark mahogany panels that gave the space a refined feel. In the center of the room was a large oak desk, the surface gleaming in the warm light cast by the flickering oil lamps that hung from the ceiling. Behind the desk, a silver-haired man was seated. His eyes, sharp and calculating, were hidden behind rectangular reading glasses, and his gaze was fixed on the thick stack of papers before him.
The man, presumably the lawyer, looked up at the sound of the door opening. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and scrutinized me through the lenses, his eyes unblinking. After a few seconds, he spoke. “Miss Rockwood, I presume.”
“Yes, that’s me,” I affirmed, nodding politely. My heart was still thudding in my chest at the sight of the lawyer’s intense gaze. “You must be my uncle’s former lawyer?”
The lawyer inclined his head once, acknowledging my question. “That is correct. I have been Master Rockwood’s advisor for many years.” He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. “Please, have a seat.”
I nodded and obeyed, crossing the room and lowering myself into the upholstered chair. The fabric of the seat was soft beneath me, but I couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by the lawyer’s presence. The air in the room seemed charged with some sort of hidden tension.
The lawyer laced his fingers together, leaning forward to rest his forearms on the desk. He regarded me silently for a few more seconds, his keen eyes scanning every detail of my face. Finally, he spoke. “I suppose you are wondering why your uncle left the castle to you, correct?”
I nodded again, my eyes darting from the lawyer to the papers spread out on his desk. “Yes, I... I was very surprised when I received the letter saying he had left everything to me.”
The lawyer gave a dry chuckle, the sound rasping in the empty room. “Yes, I’m sure you were.” He said. “Master Rockwood took great care in his decision. He wanted everything to be taken care of, and I was the one he relied on to make sure everything was put into order.”
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, feeling a slight prickle of irritation at the lawyer’s patronizing tone. But I held my tongue and waited for him to continue. After all, he held the answers to my questions.
The lawyer seemed to sense my irritation, but he disregarded it, returning once more to his stack of papers. He flipped through the pages, eventually extracting a single letter. He held it up for me to see. “Master Rockwood’s will.” He said.
My heart was still beating rapidly in my chest, but I tried to keep my expression schooled. “What exactly does it say?” I asked, leaning forward in my seat.
The lawyer let the letter fall back onto the desk, the edge of the stationary making a soft smacking sound as it smacked the wood. He looked directly into my eyes, his gaze steady behind the rectangular frames of the glasses. “Everything. This castle. The money. The company. Every asset Master Rockwood owned. It’s all yours now. He wanted you to have a life free of worry and care."
My eyes widened at the lawyer’s words. This couldn’t be true. My uncle had left me everything. I couldn’t even begin to wrap my mind around it. “But... why me?” I managed to croak out.
The lawyer sighed and, for the first time, his aloof air vanished. “It was either you or everything would have ended to the bank and his associates with whom he had erased from everything relating to his fortune. They would have demolished the castle and built all over the grounds private residences. All blocks and concrete.”
I gasped in horror at his words. The castle, this magnificent, historical structure, was almost about to be demolished and replaced with hideous modern buildings? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. The lawyer noticed my shock and nodded solemnly. “I tried to change his mind, but Master Rockwood was quite adamant about his decision.” He explained, his voice more gentle now. “He said, ‘If there’s anyone who can appreciate this castle, it’s her. It would be a sin for it to be destroyed.’ That is why he chose you.”
I was at a loss for words. My uncle had chosen me, not because of any familial obligation, but because he trusted me to preserve his legacy. It was both an honor and a tremendous burden.
“I have known your uncle since I became a lawyer. This place... is important. It cannot be demolished.” The lawyer’s words were laced with a hint of desperation. It seemed that the thought of the castle’s destruction was almost as abhorrent to him as it was to me. I could see the fire in his eyes, the passion and determination to see the castle preserved, and it stirred something in me.
“I... I understand,” was all I could say. My mind was still trying to wrap around the enormity of the situation. I had unwittingly been handed a priceless responsibility, and I was determined not to let my uncle down.
The lawyer leaned forward. “You need to understand that once you sign the ownership contract and files, you will be tied down to everything here.”
I gulped, the lawyer’s words hitting me like a ton of bricks. So this was the catch. Once I agreed to take all of this on, I would be locked into whatever responsibilities and obligations had been placed upon me. “I’m... I’m well aware,” I reassured him. Despite the trepidation that crept into my voice, I knew I could not back down now. If I let my fear overtake me, the castle and everything it represented would be lost forever.
The lawyer nodded in approval. “Good,” he said. “I am pleased to hear it. You have made the right choice.” He paused, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “There is one more thing you need to know, however.”
I tensed up again. Here it was, the catch to this whole arrangement. I braced myself, preparing for the worst.
The lawyer folded his hands on the desk, his eyes boring intently into mine. “Are you aware of the castle’s... history?”
“History?” I echoed, puzzled. Of course, I knew the castle had a long and rich history, but there was something in the lawyer’s tone that made my heart beat faster.
“This castle belonged to a mighty noble family during the Middle Ages. The most important figures were the royal knighthood of the family.”
My eyes widened. A noble family? Royal knighthood? I was beginning to see where this was headed. The lawyer’s words made my stomach twist into a tight knot. I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “What happened to them?” I asked, my voice quiet.
A small chuckle left the lawyer. “The King had a daughter. Very beautiful... A true gem of those ages.”
The lawyer’s words painted a vivid picture in my mind, and I could almost see the princess, fair and beautiful, like a character from a fairy tale. I leaned forward, waiting for the lawyer to continue.
“You see... The dark and dirty secret was that the king’s daughter had affairs with the knights.”
I could feel my face heat up as the lawyer spoke. The princess was having secret affairs with the king’s own royal knights. It was both enthralling and scandalous. “W... Wasn’t that something highly forbidden in the Middle Ages?”
The lawyer gave a dry chuckle. “Oh, it was quite the scandal indeed. To have an affair with, let alone multiple knights, was not only frowned upon but was a serious crime against the royal family and the church.”
I let out a soft gasp, my mind reeling. The thought of a princess defying the rules and laws of her time in such a reckless way was almost too hard to believe. “But... how did the king react?” I asked, my heart racing with anticipation.
The lawyer’s face darkened, and I could tell the story made him uncomfortable, too. “He was mad, but the worst was that his daughter had accused the knights of forcing themselves upon her to save her skin.”
My blood ran cold at the lawyer’s words. The princess, not only had been having affairs with the knights but had tried to blame them for something they hadn’t done, to save her reputation. The level of cowardice and manipulation involved was almost inconceivable. I clenched my hands into fists, angry on behalf of the knights who had been betrayed and used in this way. “So what happened to them? The knights, I mean.”
The lawyer sighed. “Dead sentence - burned alive.”
The words sent chills down my spine. The knights had been sentenced to one of the most gruesome and painful deaths...all because of the lies and deceit of the princess. It was unjust and sickening. “That’s... That’s horrible.” I managed to choke out, my stomach churning with revulsion. The idea of those men, who had only been used and abused by the princess, being burned alive like that was almost too much to bear.
The lawyer nodded grimly. “The whole incident left a deep stain on the family’s history. The king was too ashamed to admit his daughter’s mistakes, so he ordered the whole affair to be buried. The knights became outcasts and monsters, blamed and punished for a crime they didn’t commit.”
It was a horrifying truth. The Knights, who had been innocent and loyal to their king, had been vilified and executed for something they hadn’t done. And yet, the princess, the one who had started the whole thing, had escaped unscathed and unpunished. It was unjust and unfair.
“But that wasn’t the end of the story. Since that incident... tragedies have appeared. The queen fell down the stairs and broke her neck. The King slowly drowned into madness. He constantly said he was being followed, seeing shadows... and the princess...”
The lawyer’s voice had dropped to a hushed tone. I leaned in closer, my heart beating faster and faster as he continued. The death of the queen, the king’s descent into madness... what had happened to the princess?
“The princess was slowly decaying... Her hair started to fall out, as well as her teeth... She would sicker and sicker... until she was only a husk of her former self.”
I gasped, my hand instinctively going to my mouth in shock. The princess, who had once been so beautiful and full of life, had been slowly ravaged by some unknown illness, turning into a shell of her former self. It was a nightmare come to life.
“What... what happened to her after that?” I asked hesitantly, almost afraid to hear the answer.
The lawyer’s expression grew grim, his face grave. “She was shunned and despised by all. And she died alone, a pariah and a disgrace. Some even whispered that she was cursed, that the knights she betrayed came back from the dead to take their revenge and haunt her last days.”
My blood ran cold at the lawyer’s words. The thought of the princess, alone and shunned, slowly dying while the knights she had betrayed supposedly haunted her, was too much to bear. I felt a pang of sympathy for the woman, but I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that she had brought it upon herself.
“That’s... That’s an utterly horrific tale,” I muttered, still trying to process all that I had heard. “But why are you telling me all this?”
“I never saw anything to confirm it but they say the castle is... haunted.”
My heart skipped a beat. Haunted? The castle was supposed to be haunted? I tried to tell myself that it was ridiculous, but the lawyer’s somber tone and the horror of the princess’s story made it harder to dismiss.
“Had my uncle seen... anything?” I asked the lawyer, both curious and a little terrified.
The lawyer’s expression turned pensive, his brow furrowing slightly. “He had mentioned a few... unusual incidents. Mysterious noises late at night, cold drafts where there should be none...”
My heart was beating fast again. Cold drafts where there should be none? Mysterious noises late at night? The castle was a large and old building. It was easy to explain away these things with logical reasons. But at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a shiver go down my spine.
“But nothing concrete, I presume?” I asked, trying to sound more curious than frightened.
“Indeed, nothing concrete,” the lawyer confirmed, shaking his head. “Your uncle, despite all his eccentricities, was not a man prone to believing in ghostly tales. He always had a logical explanation for everything happening here.”
I sighed in relief, my heart rate slowing down a notch. If my uncle had been logical and a skeptic, then it was highly unlikely that the castle was actually haunted. I was letting the lawyer’s tales get to me.
The lawyer must have noticed my relief because he gave me a knowing smile. “Now, don’t let my stories scare you. The castle is an old and large building. It’s easy to get spooked by every little unusual thing.”
“Yes, I know,” I said quickly, perhaps a little too quickly. I didn’t want him to think I was some superstitious fool. “I understand that old buildings tend to make strange noises and such.”
“So... Did the history of this place make you change your mind about owning what your uncle left you?”
I paused for a moment, pondering the lawyer’s words. The castle’s history was certainly a dark and mysterious one, and the thought of it being haunted was not something to be taken lightly. But at the same time, I couldn’t back down now. I shook my head, meeting the lawyer’s gaze directly. “No,” I replied. “I’m still determined to take up my uncle’s inheritance.”
The lawyer smiled, a look of approval on his face. “I must say, I’m glad to hear you say that.” He said. “Your uncle was adamant that his legacy would be in the right hands, and I see now that he was right in choosing you.”
I felt a surge of pride at the lawyer’s words. My uncle believed in me and trusted me to protect and cherish what he had worked so hard to build. I was determined not to let him down. “I won’t fail him,” I affirmed, my voice steady and strong.
