A dozen knights stood in formation on horses—each of them mounted, clad in light travel armor that shimmered beneath their dark cloaks. Swords hung from their belts.
Sir Bertram gently leaned closer and said, "My Lady, they are knights."
I looked at him, my brows furrowed slightly, but I said softly, "Sir Bertram, I know that they are knights. But what are they doing here?"
He smiled warmly. "My Lady, it's for you."
I blinked. "What?"
Bertram straightened his posture and said gently, "Yes, My Lady. You are going to the capital by road. And though your route is known, the roads can be dangerous for you to travel alone. That's why these knights are accompanying you. If anything dangerous happens, they will handle it and protect you—and make sure you reach the capital safely. So it's necessary that the knights go with you."
I nodded slowly, then tilted my head. "Okay, I get it—it's necessary for them to come... but is it also necessary for me to travel with all of them?" I raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't it be better if only two knights came with me?"
Bertram gave a slow, nervous chuckle—apologetic—as he shook his head. "No, My Lady. These are the orders of the Duke. I can't disobey them. Forgive me."
I muttered under my breath, "The Duke… but why?"
With a soft sigh, I looked at Bertram again and asked with hopeful eyes, "Sir Bertram," I said sweetly, "is there any other option?"
A small drop of sweat appeared on the side of his forehead, and he sighed and lowered his voice. "My Lady, I can't disobey the Duke's orders. But… there is one option."
I perked up immediately. "What is it?"
He said with a bright smile, "My Lady, you can use the portal to go to the capital directly. Then there's no need for knights or carriages."
I blinked at him, then looked at him thoughtfully and said, "Sir Bertram, it's alright. Thank you for your effort, but I will go by the road."
He gave a nod and escorted me to the carriage. I climbed inside, smoothing down my skirts and settling into the seat, the cushions pressing gently under me. Bertram then arranged the rest of the items onto the carriage.
That's when I noticed Nirelle.
She was walking toward the other carriage, her eyes lowered.
"Nirelle!" I called out, knocking gently on the window. "Where are you going?"
She stopped and turned slowly, surprised. "I'm going to the second carriage, My Lady."
"Come here," I said.
She hesitated, approaching cautiously. I opened the carriage door. "Get in."
She blinked. "Pardon, My Lady?"
"I said, come inside. Sit with me."
She stood frozen for a heartbeat. "But... this is your carriage."
"And you are with me," I said firmly. "Don't make me repeat myself."
With wide eyes and trembling hands, she nodded and stepped inside. She sat immediately—on the floor.
I frowned. "Nirelle. The seat."
She looked at me, unsure.
"Sit beside me. On the seat. Why are you sitting on the floor?"
She obeyed with hesitation and nervousness, and slowly sat on the seat beside me.
The carriage began to move.
And so, we left the Dukedom, heading for the capital.
As the carriage approached the iron gates of the western estate, the gates creaked open. The knights flanked us on either side, riding in formation as we departed.
The wheels turned steadily as we started our journey.
After a while, I heard laughter, shouts—the rising sound of people's voices coming from outside.
Curious, I reached for the small curtain covering the carriage window and tugged it aside.
And I gasped softly.
My eyes widened at the sight outside. There was a huge market bustling with life—vegetable shops, food stalls, small salons, accessories shops, weapons shops selling swords, daggers, bows, and arrows, candy stands, toy stores… a lively crowd of men, women, and children moved about, laughing and enjoying themselves.
A longing grew in my chest. For a moment, I wanted nothing more than to step out of the carriage, walk into the market, and feel what it was like to be among them.
But I knew this was not the time.
With a small sigh, I pulled the curtain back.
Nirelle looked at me softly. "My Lady… may I ask you something?"
I turned towards her and nodded. "Yes. Go ahead."
She hesitated. "My Lady, why are you traveling by road instead of the portal? I know you told Sir Bertram that you wanted to see the outside world… but
that's not true, is it, My Lady?"
I looked at her, smiled faintly, and replied...
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