The carriage rolled steadily through the castle gates.
Stone walls slowly gave way to the busy streets of the capital, where merchants shouted over one another and carts rattled across uneven cobblestones. The city was loud in a way the palace never was—alive, restless, and unapologetic about it.
I leaned slightly toward the carriage window, watching the crowds move like shifting currents.
Children ran past with wooden swords, chasing one another with shrill laughter. A vendor loudly swore at a customer who was clearly trying to cheat him on the price of apples. Nearby, a baker placed fresh loaves onto a stall, steam curling into the air.
Life beyond palace corridors.
[Remarkable, Host. The kingdom continues to function even in your absence.]
How tragic.
[Truly devastating. I will inform the council immediately.]
The carriage slowed as we reached the central market district.
I tapped twice against the carriage wall.
The driver halted.
