The cobblestones beneath the clattering hooves of the Clydesdale horses made every cantering trot sound like cannon fire. It was just past dawn, and though it was far too early for the village before the sprawling palace to be bustling, face after face appeared in the windows and doorways as the ornate carriage was drawn through. The stallions were massive, with their oddly tufted feet so immaculately white that they seemed to glow in the low light of the rising sun, and their copper coats shimmered. Behind them, they pulled an ivory structure, embellished in gold with sweeping designs, and gilded with jewels.<br/><br/>It was a strange sight among the commoners, perhaps even stranger to the guardsmen as it arrived. The coachman pulled on the reins, bringing the horses to a plod, then a stop before the mighty gates of the palace. There was a moment of hesitation as the guards inspected them, but with a flick of his wrist, the coachman produced a letter with the seal of their matriarch squarely in the center.<br/><br/>"I speak on behalf of my King, His Royal Majesty Caddeus Thane, of the Southern Isles. Per their agreement, I come baring gifts for Her Highness, in wake of the loss of your King." The words were rehearsed, perhaps hundreds of times. But it was enough. The guards stood aside, and he and his horses were sent through.<br/><br/>The winding pathway to the palace steps were much tamer than the mountain paths and treacherous cliff sides traversed to get there. But the horses seemed a bit nervous still. They knickered and whinnied when they were told to stop, pawing at the stones. The coachman hissed for them to be still, tugging on the reins, but still they fussed. The carriage door opened on its own, and from it, emerged one of the gifts for the Queen.<br/><br/>Asriel shielded his eyes from the sun, having been soundly sleep until the jostling to and fro had woken him. He had expected a much lighter awakening, but he hadn't expected to travel in luxury to begin with. He knew the coachman was a novice at best, but he had done well for such a trek. He straightened his collar-- the blazer finely made in shades of dark blue and embroidered with white for the exquisite detailing was fitting to his shape almost uncomfortably. He made sure there was nothing on ruffled collar of his shirt or his trousers, both a ceremonial white, then rounded the carriage to pat the side of the horses.<br/><br/>"Sir!" The lad sputtered, clamoring to get down. "My apologies, sir, I am not sure what it is that has upset them."<br/><br/>His eyes, a much lighter blue than that of his coat, lifted to the sky. He sniffed the air, and was not surprised by its weight. Despite the sun's attempt to shine through, there were clouds beginning to form.<br/><br/>"It's going to rain," he answered simply. "They're much more aware of these conditions than we may be." He reached up to stroke the white streaked snout of one of the horses. He knew them both well, and would be miss their time together. The stallion nudged him, lipping at his clothes in search for a treat, and Asriel chuckled and patted him to discourage such behavior. "Help me unload, will you? I'm sure the attendants will be along--"<br/><br/>Before he could punctuate the thought, the doors were opened and several young men came quickly down the steps to unload the offerings that had been packed away. They were quick to take them inside, rushing past a tall, spindly looking man, who was draped in dark robes and seemed to be looking down at the scene past the long hook of his nose. Asriel caught his gaze, but instead of returning the scowl like some small part of him ached, he instead offered a smile as he began to ascend the steps.<br/><br/>"Good waking, sir. You must be--"<br/><br/>The man held up a hand, and Asriel noticed at once the ring on his finger. The man was of marked nobility, and judging by the ropes twined around his waist, he was a scholar. An adviser, surely. Asriel couldn't help the arch of his dark brow.<br/><br/>"You will come at once. Your arrival is behind schedule and you will not keep Her Radiance waiting a moment longer," the man sneered and turned with a flourish to bustle into the grand hall.<br/><br/>Asriel's other brow rose and he glanced over his shoulder to the wide eyed boy that still watched him. "Find the stables and rest," he told him. "I'll send for you when I can." And he disappeared inside as well to follow the man to the throne room to greet Her Royal Highness. He certainly hadn't thought that they had been late, but if this were the case, this was not the best impression. He would have to make up for it quickly.