Dawn came too early and with too much formality.
The eastern gates were crowded with palace officials, military escorts, and what looked like half the city's population turned out to watch their queen depart. Lyristae stood at the center of it all in traveling clothes that somehow still managed to look regal, accepting well-wishes and giving last-minute instructions with practiced efficiency.
Damien, Seria, and Elara waited by the imperial transport – a large enclosed carriage designed for speed and comfort, pulled by horses that were definitely enhanced with some kind of magic based on how they stood too perfectly still.
"This is excessive," Seria muttered, watching another wave of citizens approach to bow to Lyristae. "We're just going to the capital, not leading a military campaign."
"She's their queen leaving during a crisis," Elara said. "They need the reassurance of seeing her off properly."
