As my carriage moves smoothly toward the Imperial Palace, Kaelen rides his massive warhorse right beside my window. Elin follows closely behind in the secondary carriage, escorted by our personal troop of Eryndor knights.
I look out the crystal window. The entire capital is breathtakingly decorated for the Grand Convergence. Banners of gold and silver flutter in the wind, and the streets are absolutely packed. Nobles from both the human and Elven races are already making their way toward the palace in their finest attire.
"So many people," I murmur.
As we pass, the nobles' eyes instantly dart toward my carriage. The sheer presence of Kaelen Blackthorne leading the guard, combined with the gleaming, heavy crest of the Eryndor Empire on the carriage doors, demands absolute respect.
The moment they recognize it, the entire street stops. Human nobles drop into deep, sweeping bows, while Elven nobles halt and place their fists over their hearts.
