The hesitation in Théadan’s voice tugged at Navia’s heart. She could tell it was not an easy subject for him. She had figured his family would have stripped him of his titles as well, especially with his country likely thinking he had killed his brother to be with her. She was happy to support him with whatever decision he made when it came to whether he wanted to be called a prince by her country or not, but it sounded as though it would probably be best to have him use it for the foreseeable future. She looked down at him for a beat, him having dismounted and her having not, before Navia nodded and went to climb down from Varinata’s back as well. The instant she did, a pair of guards stepped forward from the group standing before the ornate white-painted wooden doors to the palace. “Then a prince you shall continue to be,” Navia said easily, taking the steps needed to close the distance between them, but keeping hold of Vari’s reins to stay on the safe side.<br/><br/>She pressed a quick kiss to Théadan’s lips, then turned to smile at the guards as they approached. They wore the traditional garb of the king’s men, their long tunics red and cinched at the waist with a gold belt. Gold embroidery ran along the hems, matching the golden pants they wore. Swords at their hips and spears in their hands, the dark-skinned men were likely considered to be intimidating until one saw the disbelieving expressions on their faces. Navia smiled at them as they approached and noticed both the men cast Théadan a wary glance before they both placed a fist over their hearts and tapped once. “<i>Sitvati</i>,” one greeted, “It is true, you have returned. We were told you were sighted at the gates, yet it is still hard to believe.”<br/><br/>The second man nodded and held out a hand to take the horses’ reins, “We will take care of your horses, your highness. Your family is gathered to welcome you.”<br/><br/>“<i>Dhanyu</i>,” Navia said graciously, pleased the men had greeted them so warmly and relinquishing control of Varinata to them. Once Théadan had done the same, she reached out to take his hand so they could ascend the white marble steps together. As they neared, on of the guards bowed their head to them, then reached out to pull one of the doors open for them. After thanking the man, Navia stepped through and back into her home for the first time in months. They were greeted by the quiet of a grand foyer and a splendor of color and artistry. The room was large, the ceiling high and decorated in a myriad of colorful tile designs. The back wall consisted mostly of glass so the sunlight could pour in and the gardens were in view. A pair of twin staircases led up to a landing before the staircases continued upward. In the center of the room hung a massive crystal chandelier that had been delicately strung together so light from the sun would scatter little rainbows about the room. Sconces along the walls provided light for when the sun went down, with tall paintings of various Khluri royalty between them. The floor and stairs were the same brilliant white as the steps outside, but the walls and ceiling were full of vibrant color.<br/><br/>Directly on either side of them stood more extravagantly tall, carved doors, the tops of them curving. “The grand ballroom is that way,” Navia pointed to the door to the left of them, “And the throne room is to the right, which is where we need to go.” The only other person in the room was waiting at those doors. The elder man was dressed head to toe in gold, his jet-black hair streaked in silver. His face was pointed and hawk-like, his beady black eyes eying Théadan with muted distrust.<br/><br/>“Hello again, Behuut,” Navia said amicably as they approached, offering the man a smile at seeing him again after so long.<br/><br/>The herald nodded, his stiff stance not relaxing as he turned to face the door, his hand resting on the knob in preparation, “Welcome back,<i>Sitvati. </i>I shall announce you when you are ready.”<br/><br/>“Thank you and please announce Prince Théadan Rúl of Mes'Mo'Tan as well,” Navia requested, then turned her attention to Théadan, her hand squeezing his reassuringly before she asked quietly, “Are you ready?”