Dawn came with military efficiency.
They were woken by servants bearing equipment and supplies – travel packs, weapons, preserved food, water skins, maps marked with the latest intelligence. Everything laid out with the precision of people who'd prepared many doomed missions.
"Cheerful thought to start the day," Seria muttered, examining the supplies. "They've even included burial shrouds."
"Those are emergency bandages," Elara said.
"They're folded like shrouds. I know the difference."
"You're being paranoid."
"I'm being observant. There's a difference."
Lyristae was already dressed in practical traveling clothes, her formal queen persona stripped away in favor of something more functional. She moved through preparations with mechanical efficiency, double-checking supplies, reviewing maps, avoiding eye contact with everyone.
"Are you okay?" Damien asked quietly.
