The palace did not feel like a home that morning.
It felt… arranged.
Lyra noticed it before she even stepped fully into the corridor.
A maid paused mid-walk the moment she saw her.
Two guards straightened at once.
Another bowed too quickly.
Too coordinated.
Too aware.
Lyra slowed.
Her eyes moved, quietly, carefully, taking everything in.
Nothing was wrong.
And yet everything was.
She continued walking.
Measured steps.
Calm face.
But her mind was already working.
When she reached the main passage that led toward the open balcony halls, it became obvious.
Guards.
More than usual.
Not scattered.
Positioned.
Lyra stopped.
The guard nearest to her immediately stepped forward.
“My Queen.”
She looked at him.
Not unkindly.
But directly.
“Why are there more guards today?”
