Clatter... clatter...
The wooden wheels of the Vayne carriage spun rhythmically, leaving the outer boundaries of the Capital behind just as the sun began to paint a thin streak of light across the eastern horizon.
Lia sat pressed against the window, her knees tucked beneath her on the plush seat. Her tiny nose was pressed flat against the cold glass. Her round eyes sparkled as she stared at the wide expanse of meadows slowly emerging from the veil of morning mist.
"I missed our castle so much... I missed Aunt Clara, my room, and my rabbit toys in the wardrobe!" she chattered endlessly, her small fingers tapping against the glass.
Azura, who sat beside her, gently brushed a stray lock of Lia's silver hair that had been blown messy by the draft from the window crack. "We will arrive shortly."
"Um... how many more turns, Mama?"
"Just a little longer, Lia."
