The capital city spread out before them, massive walls gleaming in the sunlight, banners fluttering, and streets bustling with people who looked far too clean for the disaster zone they'd just survived. Horses clopped nervously as Izaru's carriage rolled through the gates.
Liora was practically bouncing in her seat. "Ooooh! Look at all the people! Look at the buildings! I bet I could jump from that tower to—"
"Don't," Izaru muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just… don't. Or I'll punch you."
Cain leaned forward with his eyes gleaming. "I… I can't believe it! You actually beat the Drake! And all those ogres… I mean, you're insane!"
"Insane is the price of style, little prince," Liora replied, twirling her new mythril daggers. "And did you see my moves back there? Epic, right?"
"Epic? You nearly got yourself skewered multiple times." Izaru deadpanned, one eyebrow raised.
"Details!" she shouted. "The crowd only sees the glamor, not the scary bits! Anyway, I look cool."
The carriage stopped at the palace gates. Guards scrambled forward, bows lowered, and trumpets blared as news of the royal escort reached the capital's elite. Liora immediately leaned out of the carriage, waving dramatically. "Yooooo! Citizens! Feast your eyes on meeee!"
Izaru groaned. "Please don't embarrass me in front of the royalty or I'll turn you into 'Demon Skewers'."
The gates swung open, revealing the grandeur of the palace courtyard. Marble floors gleamed, fountains sprayed high into the air, and statues of former rulers stared down like judging grandparents. Knights lined up, all stiff-backed and looking far too serious for the calamity that followed them here.
Prince Cain practically leapt from the carriage. "Let's go! I'll show you inside! Empress Avelyine will be thrilled to see you!"
Liora leaned against the carriage, smirking at Izaru. "Thrilled or terrified? Either way, it'll be fun."
Izaru muttered, "None, maybe. If what Cain said about her being the youngest to inherit the throne is true, she might be dangerous. I have a bad feeling about this."
They dismounted, Liora striding in with more energy than a marching band. The guards exchanged nervous glances, and one whispered, "Are they… dangerous?"
Izaru shot him a look that could freeze lava. "Depends on if you value your life."
Inside the palace, the opulence was overwhelming. Gold-lined walls, red carpets, and crystal chandeliers reflected the morning light like a disco ball that didn't care about human eyes. Liora immediately ran a hand along the railing, pretending to inspect it while humming.
Cain tugged Izaru forward. "Come on! We have to meet the Empress!"
"Right… because nothing says 'first impression' like dragging a slightly bloodied demon girl into the royal court," Izaru muttered.
Liora leaned toward him, whispering with a grin. "Relax. I'll charm them. Or stab them. Whichever works. Also, don't forget you were completely drenched in Drake blood a while ago."
Izaru groaned. "I'm doomed."
As they continued moving towards the court room, they didn't know that the one waiting for them in there was the strongest mage in the Empire of Rosaliana.