We stepped through the portal into the dazzling white courtyard with a fountain burbling crystal clear water. Much later, I learned the name of the capital city was Gravden. From Mona's arms I could see one or two other groups of people meandering around. The square was a circular walkway around the fountain with greenery set in corners. There was a large wall and gate to one side of the circle and opposite were grand, opulent buildings. In the center was a large palace that loomed over all the rest. I bet that's the royal palace.
Selahe announced to our group, "We must move on, we cannot linger here as this is where people gate in." The Duchess was already in the process of closing the portal, it got smaller and smaller. I quickly checked on mana sense to get an idea of what was happening. I had missed her cast a second, much smaller spell. It seemed like she was forcibly draining the mana that fueled the portal. Instead of recollecting it, it seemed she was allowing it to dissipate into the atmosphere and I briefly wondered why. Surely, if you could drain mana from a spell, you could recollect it in crystal form?
Once the Duchess was done, Selahe announced, "This way!" We all began walking in the direction opposite the royal palace, towards the large wall and the gate. Judging by its curvature, the wall must encompass the entire palace, along with the other smaller yet opulent buildings nearby. We crossed the threshold of the gate, the ducal couple nodded at the guards who parted for us to pass. We looked out down at the rest of the city, or at least what we could see. There were nice, large houses placed here and another tall wall in the distance. The ground seemed to slope gently downwards the further away you got from the palace. The houses in this section weren't as glittery and gilded but were spacious and quaint in decoration.
We descended the hill, further into the district for a bit before turning down a road. Selahe, Fazio, and the guards we brought were on high alert as three members of the family were walking in the open. The ducal couple looked regal in their attitude, but I could see the tension in their bodies from my perch in Mona's arms. I could feel her holding me tightly, perhaps to prevent me from wriggling out and escaping. I also surmised her tight grip was so she could run away from a battle if the need arose.
Fortunately, we reached what appeared to be our house without any issues. We quickly entered the door and once shut, I could feel the movement of mana as a protection spell seemingly reactivated. I observed all the adults heave sighs of relief, as the guards relaxed and started to remove their armor. Selahe and Fazio went to coordinate with the house staff already present. The ducal couple, Mona and me in tow went to a sitting room to rest from the stressful stroll through the city.
After a moment of silence, Mona broke the quietness, asking, "Is the capital always this tense?"
The ducal couple looked at each other and nodded, the Duke explained, "Now that you're soul bound we can share more information with you. The capital is a nest of enemies. Since all the family members are here, we're naturally on high alert."
Mona, looking troubled, asked, "Does that mean Fazio is also in danger due to these many enemies?"
The Duchess, now recovered, gained a more intense look on her face as she commented, "You and your son knew what you were getting into when you made the bargain. Remember your place. --" Her expression softened slightly as she continued, "That being said -- it's not that we have a huge number of enemies. Once an enemy is known to us, we generally take steps to mitigate the risk. But if the family were to be taken out then they might be able to weasel their way into ruling our duchy. Or even if the two of us were taken out they could become wed to Anna or even little Dam. Our enemies are the anonymous opportunists who might take advantage of our presence in the capital."
Mona was tense when she was rebuked and replied, "I'm sorry your ladyship. It's all so new to us that I found my emotions overwhelm my sense."
The Duke waved it off, saying, "We knew why you said what you did. My wife wants to guide your thinking as you learn more about how our world works." Mona nodded in response.
Selahe returned to the room and announced, "Young mistress Anna Calo, to see you, my lordships." We turned and saw a young girl, appearing much older than Fazio. She had darker, slightly tanned skin, lighter than the Duke, but a darker blonde hair than her mother. She was indeed a perfect blend of her parents' traits. Her hair was up in a braid that fell down her back. Behind her we could see another young woman, slightly older than Anna, in a fashionable maid outfit. She must be Anna's Fazio or Selahe.
Anna curtsied to the gathered and said stiffly, "Father, Mother, it's wonderful to see you again." She pointedly glared at me in Mona's arms and continued, "Is this to be my usurping brother?"
The Duke raised his voice, "Anna! --"
Before he could continue, she interrupted, "I'm sorry father. My emotions are still rather raw having to hear about it from the rumor mill at the academy."
The Duchess smoothly interjected, "That was our blunder. The King's guard traveled with the high priestess when she came to check on the condition of little Dam. They leaked that a new child was in our household. The rumor mill simply filled in the blanks. It was our intention to introduce you to your brother first; then to our parents and extended family, before announcing it publicly."
Anna sighed and said, "I understand, Mother. --" She then admonished them for their slip-up, "You both taught me that information leaked is the dagger we hand to our enemies." Anna stepped over to me, perched on Mona's lap. I smiled at her as big as I could. She stood resolute in response, not even a twitch of a smile back.
Anna said to me coldly, "Greetings brother." At that moment, I realized she was immune to my 1000-watt baby smile.