The Royal Palace was ridiculous.
Three stories tall. White marble. Gold trim everywhere. Towers. Spires. Flags flying. *Flap flap flap.* The whole thing screamed wealth and power.
Draven's carriage pulled up. *Clip clop clip clop.* Slowed. Stopped. *Creak.*
A servant opened the door. *Click.* "Lord Arclight. Lady Mara. Welcome."
They stepped out. *Thump thump.*
Immediately. People stared.
Dozens of nobles arriving. Carriages everywhere. *Clip clop clip clop.* But everyone stopped. Looked.
Whispers started.
"—that's Lord Arclight—"
"—S-Rank at eighteen—"
"—he had destroyed two noble houses already—"
"—is that an church Inquisitor with him?—"
"—former church Inquisitor she quit the Church—"
"—for him?—"
Mara smiled. Took Draven's arm. *Rustle.* Deliberate. Public. Showing everyone.
They walked toward the entrance. *Tap tap tap tap.* Red carpet. Guards everywhere. Nobles parting. Letting them through.
Fear. Respect. Curiosity.
All good reactions.
