The Obsidian Veil

Chapter 11 - Under the Northern Skies

"The paths to the north are tricky. Bandits and mercenaries come and go. And I detected something unusual there. But I found the safest path to take, though it is not that safe. We might encounter more danger than expected, so we must stay vigilant. Now, do you still want to depart tomorrow?"

Iben's words from the previous night echoed in Iria's mind, dark and foreboding. His voice had been serious, carrying a weight that refused to leave her thoughts.

Yesterday's revelations had unsettled her, and now, with the journey to the north just hours away, Iria felt more unprepared than ever. She had spent the night reading history and politics in the library, but no amount of knowledge seemed to ease her anxiety. Cedric had been busy handing off his duties to a trusted subordinate, and Sabia's focus on morning sword drills sharpened her resolve. But Iben... he remained in the shadows, distant, and that troubled Iria more than she was willing to admit.

Is he hiding something? she wondered. His silence had been as unnerving as his warning.

"Your Highness, we are now summoned at the Polaris Gate. We will depart soon."

Iria turned to find Sabia standing at the entrance of the library. She had barely noticed the time slipping away. Clutching a pair of books, she blinked, disoriented by the sudden reminder that everything was now set in motion.

"Is it already time?" Iria asked, her voice quiet, betraying her unease.

"Yes. Our two companions are waiting there. I believe the Prince is also on his way," Sabia replied, her tone steady as always.

Reluctantly, Iria returned some of the books to their shelves and led the way out. Sabia fell into step beside her, her presence a silent reassurance. Yet as they crossed the palace's corridors, a familiar vision flashed before Iria's eyes. It was the golden palace. It appeared so vividly that she stopped in her tracks, waiting for more, hoping for clarity. But the vision faded, leaving her with only questions.

"Is there a problem, Princess?" Sabia's voice held a trace of concern.

Iria hesitated, then spoke. "May I ask you something?"

Sabia blinked, caught off guard. "Yes, of course. Anything."

"Is there a golden palace in the north?" Iria's question lingered in the air, her eyes fixed forward, avoiding Sabia's gaze.

The question startled Sabia, and she glanced at the book Iria still held as though it might offer some explanation.

"A golden palace?" she echoed, thinking carefully. "Not quite. But the Queen Consort used to stay in the northern palace when she ruled there. The palace itself isn't gold, but during dusk and dawn, the light hits it just right, making it appear as if it's glowing. Some have called it golden, but those few who've actually seen it don't describe it that way," she continued.

Sabia eyed Iria closely, curiosity growing. How did she know of such a place? Only a handful of people had ever been inside the northern palace, and even fewer spoke of it in such terms. She doubted even the Prince would know this detail, and no book Iria had been reading would contain that information.

"Why do you ask, Your Highness?" Sabia ventured, her brow furrowed.

Iria remained silent, unwilling to answer Sabia's question. Her visions were her own burden, and she wasn't ready to share them.

"Nothing," she quietly answered. Iria resumed walking. Sabia falling into step beside her once again, tried not to push the question to her anymore.

They barely made it halfway down the corridor before a familiar figure appeared from around the corner. Duke Kent, his sharp gaze falling on them immediately, halted their steps. Iria's heart skipped, tension coiling in her chest. The Duke wasn't privy to their plan, and she could see the suspicion flicker in his eyes as they fell on her travel clothes and the cloak draped over her shoulders.