The Imperial Highway stretched before them like a ribbon of polished stone, its surface gleaming with protective enchantments that had endured for millennia.
As their caravan drew closer to the capital, the traffic grew steadily heavier - merchants, nobles, and curiosity seekers all heading toward the city to witness the aftermath of Emperor Tiberius's dramatic return.
Inside Mikhail's carriage, the usual comfort of their dining nook felt different now.
The enchanted windows still showed eternal winter, but the peaceful scene seemed at odds with the tension in the air. Even Bella's cheerful humming as she served tea couldn't quite dispel the growing sense of anticipation.
"Another messenger crystal," Lydia reported, entering with a stack of urgent communications. "This one from House Silvermane. They're eager to reaffirm their unwavering loyalty to the true imperial line.'" Her tone carried just a hint of sardonic amusement.
"How kind of them," Mikhail murmured, not looking up from the book he was studying. "File it with the others. I'm sure Father will be interested in reviewing who declared their loyalty and when."
Aria, who had spent the past hour pretending to read while actually watching Mikhail, finally spoke. "They're all terrified, aren't they? The noble houses?"
"Wouldn't you be?" Valerie asked from her own corner, where she'd been making notes on draconic bloodline theory. "After that display at the cathedral? I wasn't even there and I'm still shaking from the reports I've heard."
"Father can be... impressive when he chooses," Mikhail agreed mildly. "Though I suspect the noble houses are more concerned about their own complicity in recent events. Loyalty is such a fluid concept in imperial politics."
Lydia efficiently reorganised the growing pile of messages, her practical nature reasserting itself. "We should arrive tomorrow evening. The advance riders report the city gates are packed with petitioners seeking an audience."
"Let them wait," Mikhail said softly. "Father has more important matters to attend to first."
The carriage swayed gently as they travelled, its enchanted interior maintaining perfect comfort. Outside, they could hear the conversations of other travellers - snippets of rumour and speculation about recent events.
"They say the Crown Princess hasn't been seen since..."
"The Empress's private wing is sealed off entirely..."
"House Draconus might absolved of their guilt..."
Aria set aside all pretence of reading. "What will happen to your sister?" she asked quietly.
Mikhail finally looked up from his book. "That's for Father to decide."
"And your mother?" Valerie's voice carried genuine curiosity. "The Empress was... involved in all this, wasn't she?"
"Proving it might be difficult," Mikhail admitted. "Mother is nothing if not careful. But again, that's Father's concern now. I've done my part."
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Evening found them stopped at a waystation, their caravan's expansion charms creating a comfortable camp despite the growing crowd of travellers. The air hummed with magic as privacy wards went up, creating a bubble of calm amid the chaos.
A knock at the door announced Lydia's arrival with the evening report. "The crowd grows larger by the hour," she said without preamble. "We've had to expand the privacy wards twice already. And Lady Aria and Lady Valerie are asking to speak with you."
Mikhail smiled slightly. "Together? How diplomatic of them. Show them in."
The two women entered, their usual rivalry temporarily set aside. They'd clearly been discussing something important, judging by their shared expression of determination.
"We've been thinking," Aria began.
"About recent events," Valerie continued.
"And our respective positions..."
"And potential contributions..."
"Ladies," Mikhail interrupted gently. "Perhaps we could skip the carefully rehearsed dialogue and get to the point?"
They exchanged glances before Valerie spoke. "We want to help. Both of us. Whatever comes next - we want to be part of it."
"The empire will be making demands now that it knows your strength," Aria added. "New alliances, new power structures. House Terra's influence could be valuable."
"And House Draconus's research could provide advantages others lack," Valerie finished.
Mikhail studied them both for a long moment. Gone was any trace of their previous competition or courtly games. In its place was something more valuable - genuine determination and a clear-eyed understanding of the situation.
"The road ahead won't be easy," he warned. "Father's return is just the beginning. The real work comes after."
"We know," they said simultaneously, then shared a brief smile at the coincidence.
"Very well." Mikhail nodded slowly. "We can discuss specifics once we're settled in the capital. For now, get some rest. Tomorrow will be... interesting."
After they left, Aurora appeared from Mikhail's Personal Dimensional Space. "They've grown," she observed. "All of them have."
"We all have," Mikhail agreed. "Though I suspect the real growth is yet to come."