The Dream!

She stepped closer to the carriage, peering at its covered load. The faint smell of papers and wood wafted from it and a very familiar smell that made her frown, but it revealed little else.

"Let me make this clear," she said, her voice steady and authoritative. "Manni has served this castle faithfully for decades. Treating him with suspicion is disrespectful, especially when there is no evidence of foul play. I will take responsibility for this delivery. Allow the carriage to pass."

The guards hesitated, their loyalty and sense of duty warring with her command. Finally, one of them nodded. "As you wish, Your Grace. But we must insist on offloading the goods here and inspecting them before they are taken further into the castle."

Salviana waved her hand dismissively. "Do as you must."