The castle looked exactly the same from the outside.
Same walls. Same towers. Same imposing architecture that had intimidated me when I first arrived.
But as we rode through the gates, I could feel how different everything was. How much had changed in the months since we'd been forced to flee.
"Welcome home, Your Majesties." The castle steward greeted us formally. "We've prepared the royal quarters for your return. Everything has been cleaned and made ready."
"Thank you. And the staff? They all pledged loyalty?"
"Every single one. Those who couldn't pledge honestly have left. Only people loyal to you remain."
"Good. I want a meeting with all department heads tomorrow. Need to understand the state of the kingdom."
"Already scheduled, Your Majesty. Ten in the morning in the council chamber."
Efficient. I appreciated that.
The royal quarters felt strange. Familiar but foreign. Like visiting a place you used to know but don't quite remember correctly.
