The carriage rolled slowly through the massive gates, its wheels grinding against the gravel courtyard.
Philia remained seated until the carriage had fully stopped, listening to the last few turns of the wheels as they slowed over the gravel. He drew in a slow breath and held it for a moment, giving himself time to settle before reaching for the door handle.
When he stepped down onto the driveway, the afternoon air brushed lightly against his face. He paused beside the carriage, his gaze lifting toward the upper floor of the Crown Prince's private wing. The tall stained-glass windows caught the sunlight, their colored panes glowing softly against the pale stone.
For a brief moment, Philia simply stood there, looking up.
"I should go see His Highness," Philia murmured softly, his voice low enough that only the man beside him could hear.
