The royal caravan wound its way across the misty landscape, hooves rhythmically drumming against the soft, ancient soil. Queen Elysia guided her silver mare alongside Viva's chestnut stallion, deliberately falling behind the main group to create a pocket of privacy.
Viva sat rigidly in her saddle, acutely aware of the queen's scrutiny. Her Thornvale armor gleamed dully in the filtered light, its forest-green accents marking her as an outsider among the silver and blue of the Moonlight warriors.
"You have good reflexes," Elysia said, breaking the tense silence between them. "Your training speaks to Thornvale's martial excellence."
Viva inclined her head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"I understand you've been protecting my son," Elysia continued, her voice softening. "For that, I owe you a debt greater than words can express."
Viva's posture remained guarded. "I serve the Veilwalker, Your Majesty. No debt is owed."
