The journey to the Vale was anything but easy. True to its reputation, the Southern Kingdom was vast beyond imagination. Its roads were clean and well maintained, the air fresher than anywhere Adrian had ever been, and every city they passed through reflected wealth and discipline.
Its military strength was even more astonishing. Every major house seemed to maintain its own standing army, and the warriors patrolling the streets carried themselves with confidence and pride.
Adrian decided to spend an entire day there, visiting several of the smaller noble houses and requesting their support. He carefully explained his situation and spoke of the council meeting that would soon decide whether he would lose his title as Crown Prince to Enzo.
When he mentioned that Lady Elara was now standing with him and would become his bride, many of the nobles became visibly interested.
If Adrian somehow reclaimed the throne, wouldn't their daughter become Queen of Lycoria?
