The royal carriage rolled to a smooth halt before the towering gates of the Grand Palace. The violet insignia of the imperial family gleamed beneath the afternoon sun as rows of palace attendants stood waiting in perfect formation.
Their heads lowered respectfully the instant the carriage stopped, while one familiar figure stood apart from the rest with all seven fluffy tails lazily swaying behind him. Rin waited with his paws tucked into the sleeves of his robes, his ears twitching occasionally as he watched the carriage door open.
Damain stepped down first, looking no different from when he had entered the royal court, yet those who knew him well could immediately sense the invisible weight pressing down on his shoulders. William descended moments later and quietly followed several paces behind, maintaining the respectful distance expected of him.
"You should have come with me," Damain said as he walked past without slowing his pace.
