Soon afterward, they left the guest residence together. The palace courtyard had become a place of constant movement.
Carriages departed one after another. Flying beasts carried delegations toward distant kingdoms. Teleportation circles shone brightly at various points throughout the grounds.
Royal officials worked tirelessly to ensure every guest departed safely.
The mood remained subdued. Even conversations were kept quiet. Many of the diplomats wore black ribbons around their sleeves in memory of those who had fallen. The fragile alliance had survived, but everyone had paid a price.
Atheline spotted familiar figures waiting near one of the palace gardens. His parents and older brother. They had come despite the busy morning.
His mother walked over first and, without hesitation, she embraced him.
"I'm glad you're safe."
He returned the embrace.
"I worried you."
"You always do."
She gently straightened his cloak afterward, just as she had when he was a child.
