A long column of silver carriages flanked by twelve armored astral sentinels halted outside the eastern boundary of District Four.
Mounted atop celestial stags with antlers of pale crystal, the royal vanguard held banners bearing the crest of the Sovereign Astral Court.
"Halt and state your allegiance!" Marcus shouted from the top of the outer watchtower, his longbow notched with an azure tracer arrow.
"You are approaching the sovereign perimeter of the First Citadel!"
The lead carriage door swung open with a soft hiss of released pneumatic pressure as the royal envoy stepped onto the gravel.
A young woman in violet robes embroidered with silver constellation patterns stepped down onto the dusty road with graceful poise.
"Inform your commander that Princess Serian requests an audience," the royal envoy announced in a clear, melodic tone.
"I come not as an emissary of the Municipal Council, but as a sovereign seeker of the natural leylines."
