Five days passed in a blur of meticulous preparation, and finally, the heavy royal carriage of the Hispo Pack stood ready within the palace courtyard. Its structure had been heavily reinforced with thick iron plating along the base to withstand the rocky northern terrain, its gold-accented wood gleaming even under the morning sun.
Odesse stood near the steps of the carriage, dressed in a sharp, elegant traveling gown. Two exceptionally tall Hisponian royal guards stood perfectly straight behind her, their muscular frames clad in polished leather armor, hands resting casually on the pommels of their broadswords.
Prince Ronan walked out to join her, his striking grey eyes carrying a hint of reluctance. "The journey is long and unpredictable, Odesse," he murmured, his broad shoulders shifting. "Let me ride out with you. My presence could ensure your safety through the outer wilderness."
