“What kingdom is this, Rebecca?” she asked, looking up at the grandest lighthouse she had ever seen. “This place is remarkable.” She took her girls by the hands, leaving Nanny Pinch to find a porter to take their luggage to the carriage Sir Richard had arranged to be waiting for them.

“This is Morningstar Kingdom, my lady,” said Rebecca. “It is one of the major port kingdoms. And that, my lady, is the Lighthouse of the Gods,” said Rebecca, motioning to the Cyclopean tower, which looked as if it indeed had been built by gods and not humans.

Lady Tremaine and her daughters were awestruck by its beauty. They stood there speechless, almost bewitched by the diamond-like lens in the tower. “Who could have built such a lighthouse?” she asked, her eyes wide.

“It was built by the Cyclopean Giants that used to rule this part of the land before the Morningstars, who built their castle to complement the lighthouse’s design,” Rebecca said. “The Lighthouse of the Gods has cast its protective eye over countless ships for more years than almost anyone can recollect.” Rebecca was clearly happy to see her lady so pleased with her new surroundings.

Lady Tremaine felt a thrill to be in such a beautiful land, and one even older than England. Morningstar Castle was exquisitely perched on the highest rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. She wondered if her new home would have such a breathtaking view.

“I’m sorry, my lady.” Rebecca interrupted her reverie. “We must be going. It looks like Nanny Pinch found us a porter. Shall we all head to the carriage? It’s a long journey still to King Hubert’s lands.” Rebecca led Lady Tremaine and her daughters to the carriage. It was a lovely white carriage trimmed in gold, pulled by two massive white stallions with yellow plumes on their heads. Lady Tremaine was impressed that her betrothed had arranged such a stately ride for her and her daughters. After seeing Morningstar Castle and now riding in such a fine carriage, she had high hopes for what she might find once she finally reached her new home.

Lady Tremaine and her daughters snuggled into one side of the carriage, and Rebecca and Nanny Pinch sat on the other. Their personal luggage was piled on the back, and their crated items were put into a wagon that followed them at its own leisurely pace.