After several long days of travel, Jay and Liv finally reached the imperial capital. The massive gates slowly opened before them, revealing the bustling main street, tall white-stone buildings, and the empire's flags fluttering in the cool autumn wind.
But Jay's heart was nowhere near as calm as the city before him.
As soon as they passed through the gate, Jay dismounted his horse. His expression was hard, his shoulders tense.
"Check the entire area, Enrik." Jay ordered, his voice low but sharp. "I fear something may have happened to my father and mother on the road. The Grand Duke Zeltar's entourage should have arrived before us."
Enrik bowed deeply.
"Understood, Your Grace. I will sweep every road they should've taken. If there is any problem, we will find it."
Without another moment wasted, Enrik ran off with several soldiers.
Jay let out a quiet sigh. The worry on his face was clear, something extremely rare for a man like him.
