The hike up the mountain from the Palace of Light took more than an hour. The sun had already begun to sink below the horizon, ushering in the night. Countless stars scattered across the sky, like precious jewels suspended above, and the natural beauty of it all was breathtaking.
The horses moved carefully along the snow-covered path, made treacherous by the recent avalanche, which significantly slowed their ascent. It took them far longer than usual to manoeuvre their way towards the mountain peak, where the grave of the late Queen Selene rested near the edge of the cliff, just as she had requested.
Solan had honoured her wish as though it were carved into his very heart, and he felt a deep longing to see her again. He had to admit that it had been some time since his last visit, months ago on her birthday.
