The grand gates of the palace loomed ahead, their golden embellishments glinting under the afternoon sun. As the royal car rolled past the guards, Lucien felt an odd mix of relief and tension settle over him. He was home. Yet, after months on the road, it almost felt unfamiliar. The palace stood just as he had left it—majestic, imposing, and carrying the weight of history in its very walls.
Servants lined the entrance, bowing as Lucien and Alexander stepped out of the vehicle. The polished marble steps gleamed in the fading daylight, leading up to the imposing entrance where King Christopher and Queen Alicia stood, regal as ever. His father, dressed in a deep blue coat adorned with golden embroidery, observed their approach with his usual composed expression. His mother, radiant in an emerald gown, offered a warm but measured smile, her gaze lingering on Lucien as if searching for something beyond his outward appearance.
Lucien inclined his head respectfully. "Father. Mother."
