As Lady Eleanor's elegant carriage pulled up to the town gates, the guards straightened, ready to perform their routine checks. One guard stepped forward, signaling the carriage to halt as he began, "Identification, please."
However, as he approached and noticed the emblem embossed on the carriage door, his face turned pale. Realization dawned on him, and he quickly bowed. "Ah… Lady Eleanor! My apologies—I didn't realize it was the First Lady of Lord Ainorth's household."
Lady Eleanor offered him a gracious nod through the window, her gaze calm yet commanding. Her three maids sat poised, subtly assessing the situation with the sharp eyes of trained warriors. Helena leaned slightly forward, giving the guard a look that needed no words: they were more than ready to handle any threat, should one arise.
