-2-Miriel opened her eyes and saw the carriage floor. The dream had ended.She wiped the tears from her eyes."Ow." Her shoulder was sore, so was her butt, and her limbs were stiff.'How far along are we?'She saw light peeking through the curtains as she stretched.She slid the curtains aside and light filled the carriage.The sun had just crept up the mountains, dyeing the sky in an orange hue.She saw the Capitol a fair distance away.Expansive walls encircled the entirety of the Capitol from all sides, reaching high enough to hide all but the castle. Gates, climbing halfway up the wall, served as pathways into the city.She sank her right hand into the inner pocket of her coat and held an envelope, smoothing it with her thumb.She pulled her hand out and rested it above the envelope, on the coat.The carriage wheels rattled as they drew closer to the city.-The carriage door opened and she walked out.The coachman stood to escort her, his hand outstretched.Miriel held his hand as she descended the mounting blocks.She saw the shadows beneath Crausel's bloodshot eyes. Add his drooping shoulders and his flaked grey hair, the journey's toll was apparent.A smile dawned on her lips but she straightened her face.She was draped in black. A veil covered her face."Crausel, inform the guards we wish to see the Princess.""Right away ma'am." He turned and left.He ran to the guards, waving his knitted cap at them, and parlayed.There were two guards in front of the metal gates that led to the princess's palace. The fence alternated between stone columns and spiked metal bars which ensconced the garden around the palace and the palace itself.She saw Crausel run to her."They've sent word to the princess ma'am. The guards will escort you in.""Have a much needed rest, Crausel. But know I must ask more of you soon.""I understand ma'am. I'll tend to the horses and sleep." He nodded and left.She followed the guards to the palace.-"Please rest here, Lady Lerkester. The Princess will be with you shortly."The chamberlain escorted her to the guest room as his booming voice resounded through the hallway. He was tall, particularly tall, and spirited, despite the creases on his face and white strands between his black hair.Miriel entered the room and sat on the sofa as he left. She left her veil beside her.The guest room was wide; sunlight gleamed through the windows, illuminating the room. The fireplace and chimney nested on the wall, to its opposite hung a depiction of a lush tree. An oil lamp rested atop the fireplace, with an empty picture frame beside it.She sank her hand into her coat pocket and held the envelope.She exhaled.'I wonder if Uncle is faring.' He was competent and resourceful, but one never knew. The grief, with the stress, could well wear him down.Through the window she saw the leaves flutter amidst the wind. There were yellow and brown leaves mixed with green.'I can do this. I must.' She slapped her cheeks and psyched herself up.She heard a knock."Lady Lerkester, the Princess has summoned you." It was the Chamberlain.She wore her veil, adjusted it, then made for the doors and opened them."Lead the way."The chamberlain nodded and left with her in tail.