A freezing gale swept across the outer battlements of the high fortress, carrying the sharp scent of oncoming mountain snow.
Inside the grand entry corridor, roaring torches set into blackened iron sconces cast dancing red light over massive granite pillars. The stone walkway was flanked on both sides by two dozen royal vanguard soldiers standing at rigid attention. Each sentinel wore burnished plate armor over black wool tunics, their heavy spiked halberds resting upright against their breastplates in an unyielding display of imperial discipline.
Elara walked beside King Kaelen, her hand resting with cool composure upon the midnight-black velvet of his arm.
Her emerald gown rustled softly against the polished flagstones, the structured leather boning holding her spine straight while th
