Zavian nodded briefly and continued eating casually, as though people were not waiting for him at the gates.
Neera was not the king, nor was she royalty, so she could not walk in late at the welcoming, so she ate quickly and stood up and bowed.
"Your majesty, I'll like to take my leave."
Zavian waved at her, signaling her to leave. Neera walked out, and once she was out of the dinette, she ran to her room. She had smuggled out some pieces of bread and eggs for the bird, so she kept them by the window before hurrying to join the others at the Castle gates.
The crowd was tremendous. They were standing on each side, and in the middle was a long aisle sprayed with flowers as they awaited their arrival. Neera struggled to find her way through the crowd, as everyone was trying to see too. She could barely breathe, so she went out of the crowd and stood behind them, her eyes searching for Penelope.
