The journey to Whitehaven lasted twelve days.
It carried the royal delegation beyond the familiar forests and mountains of Mournvale, across broad rivers, through bustling market towns, and over ancient stone roads that had connected kingdoms for centuries. With every passing mile, the world seemed to grow larger.
For Evadne, it was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
When she had lived in Oakhaven, she had rarely been permitted beyond the estates of her father’s household. After arriving in Mournvale, her world had become Ravenswatch and its surrounding provinces.
Now…
For the first time…
She was seeing the continent itself.
The road ahead no longer belonged to one kingdom.
It belonged to all of them.
⸻
On the morning of the twelfth day, the procession climbed the crest of
