The head of the guards stepped forward and greeted Noah and Xin Yan, "Welcome, honored guests. The Emperor awaits your arrival."
The grand entrance to the palace opened behind the guard. Noah and Xin Yan were led inside by the maids waiting at the gate. Some of the guards and the maids were entranced by the appearance of the duo, but none of them stepped out of line to create trouble.
The maid was wearing a delicate green silk dress, her movements precise and trained. Her head was bowed as she guided them through winding corridors, past moon-gate arches, and under carvings of ancient wars and divine beasts.
'I noticed this before, but for some reason the royal palaces like to have their past wars, the ones they won, carved on their ceilings or walls.' Noah nudged Xin Yan's hand with his pinkie finger.
