Commander Conor guided Oriana towards the awaiting carriage, where she couldn't help but notice the Prince astride his horse, flanked by his two vigilant guardian knights. There was an impressive display of royal knights and guards lining the road, a sight that had been absent upon her arrival at the palace.
'Why are there so many guards and knights?' she pondered.
Once Ana assisted her into the carriage and it set into motion, the reason became clear. The royal knights and guards formed a protective escort, riding in formation on both sides of the carriage and the Prince on his horse.
As they traversed the city roads leading to the lake, the streets had been cleared, and the royal guards ensured no one breached the royal entourage's path. The citizens of Carlin who spotted the Thistle palace crest on the flags immediately understood that the Prince was passing by. Respectful bows and hushed whispers rippled through the crowd.
