The gates of the royal castle were already open when our carriage rolled into the courtyard.
Torches burned along the stone walls despite the lingering daylight, their flames steady, ceremonial. Servants stood in neat lines, heads bowed, as if this were a formal arrival rather than an impromptu visit.
And waiting at the foot of the steps—
The King and Queen.
I froze slightly as the carriage came to a stop.
Elias stepped down first, then turned immediately to me, offering his hand. I took it, steadying myself as I descended.
"You didn't have to wait out here," I said before I could stop myself, looking between them. "I'm sorry—we came rather suddenly."
Queen Iris smiled instantly and crossed the distance in two graceful steps. She took my hands in hers, warm and firm, her eyes scanning my face with open concern.
"No, my darling," she said gently. "Elias told us you were still weak. Of course we came."
