Kaida walked to the courtyard, she always had her personal carriage that took her to where ever she wanted.
And this green and gold carriage was well known in Kaldora.
"Lady Kaida were are you headed today.."
Kaida turned when she heard the voice, seeing his outfit, she knew who it was.
This was Marvin, he was her personal coachman, he was one of Kaida's favorite people as he always drove her to wherever she wanted, to matter how far.
"Uncle Marvin. Good morning." She bowed slightly, which was a bit unlike Kaida but Marvin didn't say anything on that note.
"Good morning Lady Kaida. The horses are ready so where are you heading today?"
"To the castle. I want to see uncle Henry.."
".."
Marvin gave her a knowing smile, so she was going to see the prince.
"My lady you should remember the prince is married.."
"…"
Kaida sighed they were making her look like an homewreck but Thane wasn't even married, it was only in name.
"I never said I was going to see the prince, I said I was going to meet Uncle."
".."
"Very well. Let's head on out."
Kaida swept her cloak behind her as she stepped onto the carriage's golden step, the fabric of her dress glinting beneath the sunlight.
The green and gold sheen of the carriage shimmered like dragon scales in the morning light, opulent, unmistakable, and very her.
A small crowd of servants had paused their duties just to catch a glimpse.
Wherever Kaida went, eyes followed.
She climbed in with practiced ease, settling into the plush cushions inside. Marvin climbed up to the front without another word, though she could feel his amused glance even from behind the reins.
The carriage began to move, smooth and steady, the horses were well-trained and well-fed, their hooves striking the ground with a crisp rhythm.
Kaida leaned back and let the gentle sway of the ride calm the storm building quietly beneath her chest.
Thane Blackbell.
The name echoed in her mind more than she wanted it to. It wasn't as though she had feelings for the man, not yet, anyway.
But he was important. Central to the plot. She had read enough of the novel to know that when Kaida fell, it was because of him.
Still, her memory of Count Brandon lingered—how he'd tried to stake his claim first, how he'd provoked Thane just a bit too much.
In the end, it hadn't gone well for him.
A scuffle, they called it. An unfortunate accident, they whispered. But everyone knew better.
She hated Count Brandon. His arrogance, his smug smile. If the original Kaida hadn't killed him, she might've considered doing it herself.
Of course, it was Thane that killed him but Kaida had drawn Brandon to his death.
The carriage passed under the massive arch that marked the entrance into the royal district.
The guards saluted, stepping aside without a word. Of course they did. No one in Kaldora would dare to stop Kaida Everard's carriage.
"Lady Kaida." Marvin called back, just loud enough for her to hear. "We've arrived."
The castle gates loomed before her, wide open in welcome. This was where her uncle, Emperor Henry, spent most of his days—strategizing, brokering peace, preparing for war in the name of keeping it away.
She stepped out, one gloved hand on the edge of the carriage for balance, the other adjusting the edge of her cloak. The guards bowed low, their eyes carefully avoiding hers.
As she entered the grand hall, the heavy doors groaned behind her and shut with a deep, final thud.
"Good morning lady Everald." the butler greeted tiredly, whenever she came to the castle, she always ensured chaos followed where she stepped.
"Good morning Mr. Thorn. Don't worry, I'm just here to have a little chat with my uncle, and then I'll be off."
"…"
"You're not here to see the princess?"
"…"
Kaida handed him her cloak, her high heels clicking against the polished floors.
"Now, don't be silly Mr. Thorn. Seryn and I are not friends, not anymore. I'm here for business and I mean it.."
She wasn't lying, she actually came to deliver important news to her uncle. This was something that would help with their trading routes.
Of course, it would discovered by someone a week later in the novel and that person was rewarded greatly by the emperor. If she told him now, she could get into his good graces even more.
"Very well. Follow me, his majesty is free. I shall lead you to the throne room."
Kaida smiled as she walked, the sound of her heels echoing through the empty corridor like a soft warning bell. It was a rhythm everyone in the castle recognized by now.
The girl who caused trouble with a smile, charmed with a single glance, and dared to tread where others hesitated.
The velvet runners lining the hallway muffled her steps only slightly.
Mr. Thorn walked briskly ahead, his back straight, as if bracing for whatever chaos she might leave behind this time.
"Have they fixed the eastern wing yet?" she asked casually, her fingers trailing along the gilded edge of a column.
"No, Lady Kaida," he replied without turning. "You broke it last week."
She hummed, unapologetic. "Right. That was the tea party. Not my fault the table was so… fragile."
Mr. Thorn sighed under his breath. "Yes, well, I do hope today's visit remains less… eventful."
Kaida grinned. "No promises but I do not intend to cause trouble today."
The grand doors to the throne room loomed ahead, tall and intricately carved with the crest of Kaldora—a dragon coiled around a sword, crowned with flame.
The guards flanking the doors stood still as statues until Mr. Thorn gave a small nod.
Then, with synchronized movement, they pushed the heavy doors open.
The room inside was vast and sunlit, golden rays filtering through stained glass to cast colored patterns on the marble floor.
At the far end, seated on the raised dais, was Emperor Henry.
He didn't wear a crown, not here, not in private. The crown was heavy and sometimes, the head needed rest.
But the air around him was heavy with authority. Dressed in dark blue robes edged with silver, he looked every bit the ruler of an empire.
As Kaida entered, his gaze lifted. And then he smiled.
"Kaida" he said warmly. "You're early. I thought you'd come after causing a scene somewhere."