Neudämmerung — Main Courtyard. Dawn.
The group set out while the sun was still making up its mind.
Kaito. Lilith, in her dark dress, chains quiet the way they always were when she walked without hurry.
Aurelia, with four notebooks in her bag, the device around her neck, and a fifth notebook someone had seen her add at the last moment with the expression of someone who knows four won't be enough.
Four guards from Drake's personal detail — silent, efficient, with the discretion of people who have learned that expeditions with the queens require watching without commenting.
And Naporia, who was already in the courtyard when they came out. With her sword. With her cloak.
With the expression of someone who received no invitation and doesn't consider that relevant.
—You're not coming — said Lilith before Naporia could open her mouth.
Naporia looked at her.
—Escort.
—We have an escort.
—Four guards.
—Enough.
—Lilith...
—Naporia. — Lilith's voice didn't rise. It didn't need to.
