It was near midday when the royal carriage stopped before the courtyard of the estate. The moment the guards opened the doors, Queen Cassie stepped down gracefully, her long cloak trailing behind her. The sun glinted off the subtle gold threads woven into her robes, and the air itself seemed to grow still in her presence. Piper and Chloe immediately bowed low, greeting her with utmost respect, but her gaze had already fixed on Ian, who stood under the shade of a tree, still in the middle of practice.
He hadn't expected her visit, and for a brief second, he froze. Then his lips curved into a surprised smile as he approached her. "Queen Cassie," he said warmly, brushing his palms against his tunic to wipe off the faint traces of soot. "I wasn't expecting you today. You should have sent word ahead; I would have looked more presentable."
