The eastern delegation's wagons had been loading since dawn.
Seren stood at the palace gates, watching crates of supplies and furniture being lashed to carts. Elowen's household was moving—not permanently, but for months at a time. The eastern provinces needed their ruler, and Elowen intended to rule. Servants bustled past, carrying chests of clothes, bundles of documents, and the small iron chest that held Elowen's personal treasury.
"Three months," Elowen said, appearing at Seren's elbow. "That's how long I'll be gone. Possibly four."
Seren turned to face her. The princess wore traveling clothes—leather breeches, a thick wool coat, boots made for riding. Her hair was braided back from her face, and a travel-worn cloak hung from her shoulders. She looked less like a court schemer and more like a warrior. A sword hung at her hip—not decorative, but functional.
"The east is lucky to have you," Seren said.
