The wind that swept across the imperial courtyard was crisp and refreshing, carrying the sweet, heady scent of blooming irises from the castle gardens. The fragrance wafted through the air, mingling with the subtle hint of polished marble and the faint metallic tang of the imperial crest that adorned the carriage. As the breeze danced across the courtyard, it rustled the delicate silk banners that hung from the eaves, their intricate embroidery shimmering in the fading light.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden streaks over the marble tiles, each slab polished to a mirror finish that reflected the vibrant hues of the setting sun. The Royal Thunder-Tiger Carriage, resplendent in its crimson and gold lacquer, awaited its passengers, its wooden panels adorned with intricate carvings of thunder tigers and auspicious clouds.
