Loyalty And Disappointment in knights

She nodded once, she had things to say but they needed to leave.

The battle was not over.

But for now, they had a foothold.

And they had each other.

The carriage finally rolled up the long palace path—sleek black with silver trim, a far cry from the dust-covered horses they had ridden for days. The velvet-lined doors opened with a creak, and Alaric helped Salviana in first, her gown brushing the steps. Lucius and Jean followed, with Sebastian trailing, muttering something about how "royalty sure had a flair for entrances."

But just as they were about to step inside, a roar erupted from the side yard.

Steel clanged against steel.

Men shouted.

A sharp grunt of pain tore through the air.

Alaric's head snapped to the sound. His senses flared. He raised one hand, halting the group.