The ripped-at drawbridge unfolded in front of them.
The ascent revealed the sacred palace swathed in mist and tucked into the chest of a vibrant forest, with bright and dark greens shrouding it, while towering moss-covered mountains guarded it from behind.
The palace itself was propped up on tall stone, tethered on each side, yet the middle lay above where water swept through. For just behind it, a waterfall cascaded down and danced ahead.
Several tiers high was the palace itself, grounded with wood and stone and intricately framed and filled, and topped off with slightly curled black eaves that made the roof of each part, even the separate spaces reserved for attendants.
Each structure was black from bottom up, with streaks of gold on the edges of the scaffolding, as were the Salazāhn colors.
Amber lanterns were neatly spread out, each separated by walls and windows.
She had now stood in front of the entrance, two large charcoal black doors, with intricate carvings of golden tigers in steady stances and fierce eyes.
She hesitated as the doors were opened. There was no lingering presence of her mother's jade scent or the chirps and cheers of her brother and sister.
It just felt cold and empty.
Immediately, attendants ran to her, but she flinched.
Her silence took precedence, and she kept so until reaching the roof. She couldn't see much of the land, yet she needed to look at something other than the eyes that kept turning her way as if waiting for orders.
"Princess," Chief Raino approached. "Do you know who you are now?"
She sighed, not enjoying where this was going.
"I'm Princess Regent of Salazā village."
"No," he bowed alongside the other zazi. "You are Queen Regnant of Salazā, mainland and all its villages."
"I can't," she protested.
"You can."
"I did not complete the training. I am just a princess until I do. And my mother fulfils her role as—"
"Princess Salīa," said magi-mi Chamba softly, kneeling, with the sleeping baby still in his hands. "You are Queen Regnant."
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