The royal park lay stretched out like a painting, its wide lawns still touched with the morning dew, the faint sound of birdsong threading through the air. Cottages lined the far end, stable-boys tending to the sleek horses that stamped and neighed, their coats gleaming in the light.
The royal carriages waited in perfect rows, lacquer polished to a gleam, gold trim catching the sun like fire.
Salviana's gown brushed the cobblestones as she stepped carefully into their waiting carriage, Alaric steadying her with a hand at the small of her back.
Samion and Jaefel, the ever-loyal knights, took their posts like shadows on either side, armored boots ringing against the stone.
Manni, the broad-shouldered coachman, cracked the reins, and the team of horses surged forward in unison, hooves pounding with rhythmic power.
