The sun was just beginning to peak on the horizon when the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the royal palace. Emerick watched as Jemma pressed the palms of her hands over her eyes. She had done it several times during the course of the ride, and he wondered if her eyes were simply bothering her, or if it was a nervous habit. He was half tempted to ask, but decided it would likely only stress her further. She didn't seem particularly comfortable around him as a general rule, no need to make matters worse by prying into her personal affairs.
"What are you doing here?" An unfamiliar guard demanded from outside of the carriage. The man was intercepted by young Hector as the boy moved to open the door for Emerick.
"Excuse me Sir," He said politely as an six-year-old could muster, "I need to open the door for my master."
"Answer me you little shit! What are you doing here?!" The guard demanded, ignoring Hector. Silently, Emerick looked him over.
