"My… what… what an honor!"
Florian had finally arrived.
As he stepped down from the carriage, the cold greeted him immediately, sharp against his skin. Behind him, the carriage door remained closed. Elara and Eleonor did not follow.
For whatever reason, Elara was estranged from her older brother. Or rather, her brother had chosen to be estranged from her. He had refused to see her at all.
Because of that, Elara had only been able to speak to Florian briefly before he left the carriage. One of the last things she told him was simple and firm.
She was not allowed to get down.
Florian straightened as he approached the manor gates.
"It is nice to meet you, Lord Eldrick," he said, keeping his head high and his posture composed.
Eldrick looked stunned.
His eyes darted around the gathering, lingering on each face as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing. Important guests. Royal guests.
