The closer we got, the more details I noticed.
Long bridges connected sections of the palace high above the ground. Marble statues stood along the outer walls, depicting warriors, kings, queens, and figures I assumed were gods. Water streamed from fountains built directly into the architecture itself, flowing down carved channels into ponds below.
And the gardens…
The gardens alone were probably larger than the entire dormitory district.
Rows of trees lined stone pathways that curved through patches of flowers in every color imaginable. White roses. Blue lilies. Tall crimson flowers I didn't even recognize. Carefully trimmed hedges formed elegant shapes around the paths, and small lantern posts stood between them despite it still being daytime.
Servants moved calmly along the pathways carrying baskets, watering plants, trimming branches.
Meanwhile guards patrolled everywhere.
Not regular guards either.
These guys looked terrifying.
