The quartermaster called the departure order across the staging courtyard while supply wagons rolled toward the outer gate.
Ten meters ahead, an ornate royal carriage with gilded wheels stood waiting beneath the morning banners.
The protected child stopped abruptly on the cobblestones, her quiet gaze fixing on the gilded carriage door.
She shook her head with absolute refusal, turning her back on the luxury offered by the royal attendants.
Her steps carried her directly toward the long line of open wagons parked along the courtyard wall.
Loccy sat on the far bench inside the first wagon, keeping both splinted arms tucked against her chest.
She maintained a relaxed posture two meters away without leaning forward or calling out to the girl.
A cushioned seat remained completely open beside the padded crates, offering space without demanding any sudden commitment.
The girl crawled under a nearby records desk, retrieving her bundle of neatly folded wool blankets.
