"Who goes there? Reveal yourselves!" The command rang out the moment their carriage came within range of the palace gates.
The carriage slowed, the white horses stamping lightly against the stone path as if aware of the tension in the air.
"Let me handle this," Alaric said, already moving before Violet could respond. He stepped down from the carriage with ease, his presence commanding.
"Alpha Alaric—you're back," one of the guards was startled, before relief crept into his tone.
The second guard's gaze drifted toward the carriage, his voice trailing off. "Is that the…?"
Violet didn't wait for the rest. She stepped out of the carriage gracefully, her presence alone enough to answer their unspoken question. Her golden eyes swept over the guards, calm and observant.
"Princess Violet!"
Both guards dropped to their knees instantly, heads bowed in respect.
"You don't really need to do that," Violet said, a little uncomfortable with the display.
