After a while, once the two Princes had finished their meal, the doors opened and several guards stood at the doorway.
"Your Highnesses," one of them announced, bowing. "It is time for your departure."
Eric and Carlos rose from their seats and stepped outside, where Ocean was already waiting with a contingent of guards. One of his hands rested casually in his trouser pocket, his expression calm and unreadable.
"Are you two ready, Your Highnesses?" Ocean asked.
Eric and Carlos exchanged a brief glance before nodding.
Ocean turned and gestured for them to follow. He led the way, the two Princes walking behind him, with the guards falling into formation at their backs.
The group of nine in total comprising of three representatives of each Council, accompanied by the personal guards assigned to each Prince—made their way out of the amphitheatre. From there, they were to depart toward their respective destinations: the Earldom of Castermere and the Barony of Valmest.
