The carriage rolled toward the Palace of Nacrifa like it belonged there.
At least, that was how Hermia chose to see it.
She adjusted the silver clasp at her throat, tilting her chin slightly higher as the palace towers came into view. Sunlight spilled over white marble walls, banners of crimson and black dancing in the wind like flames against the sky.
"Try not to look impressed," Hermia muttered.
"I'm not impressed," Lydia replied, though her fingers were gripping the curtain tightly as she peered outside. "I'm evaluating."
Helena laughed softly from across the carriage. "Of course you are."
Their mother sat opposite them, composed but watchful. Dinna, Aliena's handmaid sat at the front of the carriage just beside the coach man...a place befitting for a lowly maid like her. She had to tag along as requested by the letter.
The summons had been brief and unmistakable, sealed with the royal crest. It didn't say why they were called. It didn't need to.
Aliena.
