All the preparations for the parade are set.
Lara and Thornak walked hand in hand towards the entrance. Lara was nervous, she felt too many eyes on her and too many whispers.
The people inside here are the royal family and the council members, as well as Thornak's men.
Outside, the people were already celebrating, their cheers and music echoing through the palace walls. Just the thought of facing that crowd made Lara's heart pound faster.
As soon as they got to the courtyard a hand touched Thornak's shoulder.
He turned quickly. A tall, broad-shouldered man stood before him, older yet still carrying the weight of power. Thornak's eyes widened in surprise, then flicked toward Maravelle. Everyone around looked nervous too.
"Grandfather," Thornak said, his voice steady though his jaw tightened. "You did not tell me you were coming."
"I sent word. Perhaps you were too busy to read it," he replied.
The man's eyes moved to Lara, and she felt small under his stare.
