The carriage bumped roughly along the abandoned secondary road. Camilla's plan had worked perfectly. They did not see a single assassin or a blocked path. The journey was very bumpy and slightly uncomfortable, just as Damon had warned, but it was at least safe.
Finally, the rough dirt road changed into smooth, flat, white stone. The carriage drove into the palace gate and rolled smoothly into the royal courtyard.
Because they took the longer, unused route, they arrived at the palace later than they had originally expected. However, they were still early enough for the grand royal council meeting. The morning sun was bright, shining down on the white marble walls of the palace.
Hugo, the carriage driver, pulled the leather reins gently. "Whoa," Hugo called out softly.
The strong horses slowed down and the carriage rolled to a complete stop right in front of the main entrance stairs.
