Chapter 3: A New World Within the Walls

As Amelia and William rode towards the castle, the imposing structure grew larger with every passing moment. Its high stone walls, dotted with arrow slits, and the massive iron - bound gates sent a shiver down Amelia's spine. She had studied castles in books, but seeing one up close in real life was an entirely different experience. The smell of burning torches and the sound of clanking metal from the blacksmith's forge added to the sense of awe and intimidation.

When they reached the gates, the guards standing watch bowed deeply as William approached. "Open the gates!" William commanded, his voice carrying a tone of authority that made Amelia's heart flutter. The heavy gates creaked open, revealing a bustling courtyard filled with activity. Servants scurried back and forth, carrying trays of food and linens, while knights in shining armor practiced their swordplay in a corner.

William helped Amelia dismount the horse, his hands lingering on her waist for a moment longer than necessary. Amelia felt a rush of warmth at his touch and quickly stepped away, trying to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks. "Welcome to my home," William said, gesturing grandly at the castle. "I'll have one of the servants show you to your chambers. You must be exhausted after your... journey."

Amelia nodded, grateful for the offer of rest. A young servant girl, no more than fifteen years old, approached them and curtsied deeply. "My lord," she said, her eyes downcast. "Shall I show the lady to her room?"

"Yes, please, Mary. And make sure she has everything she needs," William replied.

Mary led Amelia through a series of winding corridors, each lined with tapestries depicting scenes of battles and hunts. The stone floors were cold and drafty, and Amelia couldn't help but shiver. Finally, they reached a large wooden door. Mary pushed it open, revealing a spacious chamber with a large bed covered in a thick fur blanket, a wooden table and chairs, and a fireplace crackling with a warm fire.

"Your room, my lady," Mary said, curtsying again. "If you need anything, just ring the bell. I'll be back shortly with some hot water for you to wash up."

Alone in the room, Amelia let out a sigh of relief and collapsed onto the bed. She felt like she had been through a whirlwind of events in such a short time. As she lay there, looking up at the ceiling, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would she ever find a way back home? And what about William? There was something about him that drew her in, but she knew that getting involved with a medieval nobleman was a dangerous game.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Amelia sat up, her heart pounding. "Come in," she called out.

The door opened, and William entered, carrying a tray with a goblet of wine and some bread and cheese. "I thought you might be hungry," he said, setting the tray down on the table. "And I wanted to check on you, make sure you're comfortable."

Amelia stood up and walked over to the table. "Thank you, William. This is very kind of you." She picked up the goblet and took a sip of the wine, savoring the rich, fruity flavor.

William pulled out a chair and sat down across from her. "So, Amelia," he said, his eyes fixed on hers. "I've been thinking about what you said earlier, about being from a far - off land. I can't help but be curious. What is this place like? Is it very different from here?"

Amelia hesitated. She knew she had to be careful with her words. "It's... very different," she said slowly. "There are no castles, no knights. Instead, we have large buildings made of stone and glass, and people travel in strange contraptions that move without the need for horses."

William's eyes widened in disbelief. "That sounds like something out of a fairy tale. How is it possible?"

Amelia shrugged. "I know it sounds hard to believe, but it's the truth. In my world, we have made many advancements in technology and science."

William leaned forward, his expression intense. "I've always been fascinated by the unknown, by things that challenge our understanding of the world. And you, Amelia, are like a mystery waiting to be 解开. I want to know more about you, about your world."

As they talked, Amelia found herself opening up to William more than she had intended. She told him about modern education, about the freedom women enjoyed in her time, and about the wonders of art and literature. William listened intently, asking questions and expressing his amazement at every turn.

As the evening wore on, Amelia realized that she had been talking to William for hours. The fire in the fireplace had burned low, and the room was filled with a soft, intimate glow. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Amelia felt a magnetic pull towards William, and she could see the same longing in his eyes.

Just as William was about to lean in, there was a loud commotion outside the door. Shouts and the sound of running footsteps filled the corridor. William stood up, his expression serious. "Stay here," he said. "I'll go see what's going on."

With that, he rushed out of the room, leaving Amelia alone and filled with a mix of confusion and longing. She knew that whatever was happening outside, it was about to change the course of her stay in the castle, and perhaps her relationship with William.