Solon stopped before an ornate door marked with Rui's family crest.
"Your accommodations, Princess. General Shen's quarters are adjacent."
The door swung open to reveal a suite that rivaled her palace chambers—silk cushions in deep crimson, walls of polished obsidian, and a balcony overlooking the racecourse.
"Thank you," Rui said, though her attention had already shifted to the track below.
Even from this height, she could see other competitors practicing, their chariots weaving through obstacle courses with varying degrees of skill.
Solon followed her gaze.
"A word of advice—pride comes before the fall, but humility without confidence will see you eliminated in the first round. Find your balance."
After he departed, Shen stepped onto the balcony beside her.
"You're excited about this trial."
"Terrified," Rui admitted, watching a chariot take a corner too sharply and spin out. "But also... yes."
