The crisp morning air carried with it the hum of preparation as the convoy stood assembled outside the palace gates. Horses pawed at the ground, restless and strong, their breath rising like mist, while the guards checked their armor and weapons with quiet discipline. The carriages gleamed under the sun, their polished wood and gold trimmings reflecting the grandeur of the royal house.
Lucas stepped forward with Nyx and Lira by his side, his presence drawing the respectful attention of the men and servants nearby. As he glanced around, he found both his father and mother standing together, waiting for him with expressions filled with pride, affection, and the kind of weight that only family goodbyes carried.
"Father… Mother…" Lucas said warmly as he approached, bowing lightly, though there was more emotion in his tone than formality.
