They had a quiet breakfast before climbing into their carriages and setting off for the capital. Protocol demanded they return Princess Avaline to the palace first, then deliver their report on the rebels to the king.
The journey was smooth, almost too smooth, and all too soon the towering walls of the palace rose before them.
As the carriage rattled to a stop, unease coiled tight in Malin's chest. He did not know what punishment awaited his lord, but his bones whispered it would not be merciful. He and Sam were the first to step down, followed by Duke Cedric. Rhaegal came last, tall and calm as ever, his golden eyes betraying no flicker of worry. Malin wondered how the vampire could remain so unshaken, when every nerve in his own body screamed. Duke Cedric, too, seemed untouched by dread, and Malin began to feel like he was the only one suffocating under invisible weight.
