Totally unaware of the storm their quiet departure had stirred back in the royal castle, River and Heiko were settled comfortably within the velvet-lined interior of a dark traveling carriage. The carriage, pulled by four strong black horses, rolled steadily down a well-worn road, flanked by a team of specially selected royal warriors riding in tight formation. Their presence was subtle but unmistakably skilled—watchful eyes, sharp senses, and loyal hearts chosen by Heiko himself.
The wheels hummed along the packed earth, birds flitted above the trees, and the morning mist still clung faintly to the tall grass.
Inside the carriage, River sat with wide eyes and her hands pressed to the windows, utterly enraptured by the outside world.
Everything she saw felt like a dream: the rolling hi
