The carriage rolled through the gates of Valeria's palace, the moonlight casting a soft glow over the towering structure ahead. Stars twinkled in the clear night sky, their light blending with the gentle flicker of lanterns lining the path. Sevastian sat with his back straight, his exhaustion clear in the shadows under his eyes. Beside him, Rohan shifted restlessly, stretching his legs after the long journey, his gaze fixed on the grand palace drawing closer.
"That was a very long journey," Rohan groaned, stretching his waist as he moved within the carriage.
"It was indeed, I can barely feel my legs," Sevastian complained, gazing out the window, his voice was tinged with relief as he added, "It feels good to finally be back home." He glanced at Rohan, who nodded tiredly in agreement.
As the carriage rolled to a stop before the palace steps, Marcus stood waiting with hands clasped behind his back and a polite smile, he stepped forward.