Chapter 94 --94
She walked past them to the courtyard where two carriages waited. The first was elegant—black lacquered wood with the imperial seal, cushioned seats, designed for royalty. The second was simpler, designed for luggage and supplies.
Ten beast knights stood in formation. The fox knight stepped forward.
"Your Highness. The selected team is ready for departure."
Elara scanned the group. All of them looked alert, disciplined, prepared. Good choices.
"Travel time to the capital?" she asked.
"Four days by carriage, Your Highness. We’ll stop at imperial waystation each night—secure locations with guaranteed lodging."
"Any known threats along the route?"
"Bandits occasionally target the western passage, but they avoid imperial carriages. The greater risk is..." He hesitated.
"Say it."
"The greater risk is assassination attempts by your sisters’ agents. The road provides multiple ambush opportunities."
"Expected." Elara climbed into the carriage. "We travel with full security protocols. No predictable schedules, no advance announcements of our stops. If we’re attacked, priority is escape, not engagement."
"Yes, Your Highness."