Chapter 66: The Kingdom of Eldoria
The gates of the palace loomed high and wide, carved from ivory stone and kissed with early morning mist. Twin banners fluttered above, bearing the seal of Eldoria—the golden stag beneath a crown of stars. The chill of dawn clung to the stones, and the air held the hush of anticipation, like the kingdom itself was holding its breath.
Odi didn't hesitate.
She stepped forward like a soldier returning from exile, chin high, eyes sharp, her boots striking the marble with a rhythm that dared anyone to stop her. Behind her, Pete and Valerie followed, the weight of everything unsaid pressing between them like the fog curling around their feet.
At the threshold, two palace guards stiffened to attention.
One of them, a younger man with a high voice, blinked and nudged his partner. "Is that the princess and the slave?"
