The morning sun cast a gentle glow over the imperial palace courtyard, illuminating the beautifully manicured gardens and the towering stone walls that surrounded it. The day of departure had finally arrived.
Selena, dressed in a simple yet elegant green silk dress, moved gracefully around her chambers as she prepared for the long journey ahead. The green dress was carefully chosen—casual enough to move easily in during the travel, but still regal enough to maintain her status as an imperial concubine.
Elara, her trusted handmaiden, was also getting ready, garbed in a practical brown travel dress made of thick fabric, designed to endure the rough road ahead.
Meanwhile, Zeph, still a baby, was being dressed in a soft, comfortable outfit that allowed him freedom to move without discomfort during the journey.
The Viscounty of Perceiver was a long distance from the imperial capital. It lay on the western edge of the Astaroth Empire, bordered by several important regions.
To its north was the Kingdom of Avaroth, a strategic neighbor with strong political ties to Astaroth. To the south lay the Dukedom of Elfore, a powerful and influential part of the empire.
The Pombal Sea, a vast body of water, stretched out to the west, providing a natural boundary for the Viscounty. To the east lay the Barony of Chrislny, a small but prosperous region known for its fertile farmlands.
It would take nearly a week to reach Perceiver by carriage, a journey that would be both physically and emotionally draining, given the circumstances of their travel.
Selena had carefully packed everything they would need. A set of elegant clothes for formal meetings, practical travel garments, baby supplies for Zeph, and other necessities were all stowed away in the luxurious baby carriage the Empress had gifted to Zeph.
Adorned with gold and jewels, the carriage was more than just a symbol of wealth and status; it was also an artifact crafted with powerful magic, capable of withstanding an attack from even a peak-level Grandmaster. As the final preparations were made, the air in Selena's chambers buzzed with a sense of urgency and unease.
Soon, it was time to depart. Selena, Elara, and Zeph made their way to the front of the palace where their traveling companions awaited. Anastasia, the young imperial princess, was already there, standing tall despite the weight of her grief. Zeph, still a baby, looked curiously at her.
Though her eyes were red and swollen from crying through the night, Anastasia showed no outward sign of emotion. Her face was a mask of coldness, as distant and impenetrable as a winter's night. She greeted Selena with a polite bow, thanking her for her kindness, but her voice was devoid of feeling.
Anastasia's pain was palpable, yet she remained composed, determined not to show weakness. Selena, with a mother's intuition, reached out to comfort her, but Anastasia remained formal, thanking her and moving to enter the carriage.
Eregon, Anastasia's half-brother, was also present. Usually a figure of strict authority, today he showed an unusual warmth. His face, while still stern, carried a subtle expression of empathy.
He approached his mother, the Empress Elysia, for a brief farewell before turning to greet Selena. His eyes, normally filled with the hard resolve of a soldier, softened as he expressed his gratitude for her joining them on the journey.
Elysia, the regal empress, stood tall and composed as always, but her voice carried an undercurrent of concern as she instructed Selena to care for both Anastasia and Eregon.
"You have nothing to worry about," Elysia said, her red eyes locking with Selena's. "Vorian will be with you. He's already on his way. Keep an eye on both of them, especially Anastasia."
Selena reassured the empress that she would watch over the children and keep them safe. With those words exchanged, Selena and Elara boarded the carriage with Zeph, taking their places alongside Anastasia and Eregon.
The carriage, made from dark wood with golden accents, gleamed in the morning light. Its interior was plush and comfortable, designed to make the long journey more bearable for those inside.
Elara, meanwhile, rode in a separate carriage that had been prepared for the servants and guards.
The caravan of carriages began its slow journey, the rhythmic sound of hooves striking the cobblestones echoing through the courtyard. As they passed through the palace grounds, they approached the grand library, a massive building filled with centuries of knowledge.
It was here that Vorian, the legendary guardian of the empire, joined them. Clad in simple robes that belied his immense power, Vorian entered the carriage with a quiet grace. Everyone greeted him with the respect due to his position, and he acknowledged each person with a nod.
Anastasia sat beside him, and Vorian wrapped a comforting arm around her, providing the silent support she needed. From time to time, Vorian would glance at Zeph, finding amusement in the infant's curious antics, but his demeanor remained largely somber, aware of the grave mission that lay ahead.