The carriage finally rode up the long path toward the Violet Palace, its wheels rolling over the smooth stone road as the towering palace came into view beneath the evening sky. Damian had taken considerably longer to return than he originally intended because he had made a detour after leaving the royal court, spending some time speaking privately with Yuji, Kahlid and Lucy about their new responsibilities and the preparations for the following day's execution.
By the time he finally arrived, the palace grounds had already settled into the quieter rhythm of the evening. Damian stepped out of the carriage and immediately noticed Alice standing near the entrance with several young male attendants behind her. The moment their eyes met, he understood why she was waiting there.
"I'm guessing Jugo must have gotten to her before I got here." He mumbled under his breath.
