After nearly six hours of travel, Kiara's armored vehicle entered the borders of Celestra.
At the royal palace, the kitchens bustled with controlled chaos.
Servants moved like ants carrying precious cargo, silver platters and crystal goblets glinting under the afternoon light.
In a private dining chamber, King Caleb sat with Prime Minister Philip, though the king's patience was thinning by the minute.
He glanced at his pocket watch and frowned.
"It is almost one o'clock," he said, his voice edged with irritation. "Are you certain she is coming?"
Earlier, Philip had spoken with unwavering confidence.
Now, however, even he felt the first cold fingers of doubt.
Still, retreat was no longer an option.
