The high-ranking officer returned after a few minutes, his expression one of crisp, professional respect. He gave the party a sharp salute. "Come on in," he said, his voice echoing slightly in the vast, subterranean cavern. "He will talk to you."
He led them through the magnificent gates of the castle, and the party's collective breath was taken away. If the city outside was a marvel of magical engineering, the palace was its crown jewel. They walked down long, vaulted corridors with floors of polished marble and walls adorned with massive gold statues depicting heroes of old. A plush red carpet, so soft it felt like walking on a cloud, guided their path. Servants and nobles in elegant, royal clothing paused to bow as they passed, their gazes a mixture of awe and reverence, all of it directed at Bombom.
