Within moments, an uncomfortable sensation—like being upside down for too long—washed over them before they arrived in the sunny southern port city of Talon's Reach.
A guard waiting for them stepped forward to act as their guide.
As the evening sun streamed through the carriage windows, Kala pressed her face against the glass in delight.
"Wow! Look! That's The Great Claw! It refers to the five curved stone piers that support the docks!"
"You really know your stuff," Caspian said with a chuckle at her excitement.
She looked slightly embarrassed.
"Well, I've only ever read about places like this in books, so actually seeing it is surreal, Your Highness."
His gaze lingered on her as she sat back down.
"I thought I told you to call me by my name."
His voice allowed no argument.
Kala nodded, understanding, though she still seemed hesitant to be so informal.
_______
Travelling along white marble roads and past the docks known as The Great Claw, they headed toward a city built into and around the cliffs.
It served as a major hub for trade and commerce between Drakonia and the rest of the world.
They soon reached the lower city—a maze of damp alleys, tightly packed houses, and cheap taverns frequented by labourers.
Despite its modest appearance, it still enjoyed many of the modern amenities found in the capital.
As their carriage moved through the narrow, winding streets, it drew attention from locals who recognised royal transport.
The roads were so tight that only one carriage could pass at a time, reminiscent of old Victorian streets.
Kala spoke calmly as she observed the people outside.
"Many commoners still hold deep respect for the royal family, even if some nobles are… more elitist than others."
She paused, recalling something.
"The Dragon King deserves credit for that. Since his reign began centuries ago, dragon society has grown stronger economically, socially, and militarily. He reformed old systems, purged corruption, and brought modernisation to the common folk."
Kala noticed Caspian's expression sour and quickly apologised.
"Sorry, Your Highness. I spoke out of turn."
"No, it's nothing you said. It's just… personal. Don't worry about it."
He offered a reassuring smile as they both looked out the window again.
_______
They soon reached the upper level, perched high along the cliffs.
A winding road carried them upward past elegant homes with sprawling, manicured grounds.
The buildings were crafted from white quartz, and the local brick roads reflected sunlight beautifully.
Their destination came into view—
An inn that epitomised luxury and exclusivity compared to anything in the lower city.
The royal guard offered to remain nearby, but Caspian declined.
He and Kala stepped out and entered the inn for the night.
The sun dipped below the sea's horizon, bathing the upper district in warm orange light.
The city's layout made the divide between nobles and commoners impossible to ignore.
But that was hardly surprising.
Wherever wealth and resources gather, those with power claim the most.
Talon's Reach was no different.
It reminded Caspian of cities back on Earth—rich districts and poor ones.
Yet here, the divide was far harsher.
It wasn't just money.
It was strength.
The stronger you were, the more opportunities you gained.
Nobility itself was born from power, with wealth as its by-product.
In Caspian's old world, status depended on money.
Ironically, that made climbing to the top far harder.
_____
Caspian and Kala booked two of the finest adjacent suites and retired for the night, preparing for another day of adventure.
It would be a day neither of them would forget—
The start of something special.
But before they could embrace that future, they would first have to weather a storm.