Third Day of Travel
The Royal Road connecting the Twelve Kingdoms was ancient.
Paved with stones that had endured a thousand years of merchants, armies, and pilgrims. The trees on both sides were so old that their branches formed a natural tunnel in some sections.
The Neudämmerung entourage advanced at a steady but unhurried pace.
Kaito rode at the front with Drake to his right. Naporia should have been to his left—the traditional position for the Queen—but she had fallen several meters behind, visibly uncomfortable.
Aria approached Kaito with an amused expression.
"Your Queen is suffering."
Kaito looked back.
Naporia was constantly adjusting something on her clothing, grimacing every few minutes.
"What's wrong with her?"
"The dress."
Kaito blinked.
"What dress?"
Aria pointed.
Kaito actually looked this time.
