The Cassians were escorted towards a small court building situated a short distance from the harbour.
Unlike the grand buildings surrounding the royal palace, the court was modest in size. A vast open yard surrounded it, with patches of trimmed grass, flowering shrubs, and several large trees providing shade from the afternoon sun.
The summer heat hung over the grounds, though a gentle breeze occasionally swept across the field.
Several soldiers patrolled the area, their eyes constantly shifting between the courtyard and the court entrance. A few others stood near the building, keeping watch over those who came and went.
As the group approached the entrance, they noticed the empty benches in the open space just outside the court's main doors. It was the designated waiting area for those summoned before the court.
Rafe and the knights were led across the yard until they finally halted before two guards stationed at the front of the building.
