The grand entrance doors swung open, and both Alice and Aaron stepped out of the carriage. A row of palace staff stood at attention, waiting for their arrival. The maids moved swiftly, collecting their luggage with practiced efficiency, each belonging carefully transported to the appropriate chambers.
Alice barely spared them a glance, her sharp gaze sweeping over the palace grounds. Everything looked the same—too polished, too perfect. Yet, beneath that carefully maintained facade, something had changed.
Aaron, on the other hand, took a slow breath, as if trying to get a feel for the atmosphere. "Feels strange to be back," he muttered under his breath.
Alice scoffed. "It's the same as always—just with a different person sitting on the throne."