The castle loomed as the carriage pulled into the grand courtyard, its spires silhouetted against the darkening sky. The second the wheels stopped, the door swung open, and Milara was already there, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Liria!" she squealed, her dainty horns jangling with gold chains as she threw her arms wide. "You're back! Oh, you look… earthy."
"Thanks," I grumbled, stepping out and leaving a trail of dirt on the pristine stone steps. "It's a bold new look: 'Decomposing chic.'"
Milara, ever the optimist, clapped her hands. "You pull it off so well! But let's get you cleaned up. You're not meeting the queen looking like that."
"I wasn't planning to meet anyone," I muttered, dragging my feet toward my room. Ananara, perched on my shoulder, offered no support.
"Honestly," he sniffed, "if you'd just left me in charge, we wouldn't be in this situation. Your complete lack of grace is becoming legendary."
