Not too long, the carriage slowed to a full stop.
The movement was subtle at first, just a weight shift, but then the sound of hooves ceased, and the faint creak of the carriage settling followed after.
The doors outside opened and closed in a steady rhythm, voices rising and falling as nobles began stepping out one by one.
They had arrived.
Amethiel leaned forward slightly, just enough to peer out through the window again, his eyes immediately catching the scene before them.
One carriage at a time.
Each one stopped at the entrance of the ballroom.
Each noble stepping out with practiced grace, greeted by attendants, their names announced, their presence acknowledged.
The lights from the palace spilled outward, casting a soft glow over the entrance, making every jewel, every fabric, shimmer just enough to draw attention.
They waited.
They had to.
Amethiel could feel it building again, that tightness in his chest, that restless energy that made it hard to sit still.
