Not an inn. Not a palace.
Something in between. Something new. She spoke of it like it was obvious, like the kingdom should already understand what it was meant to be. A place for guests. For travelers. For nobles and commoners alike. A structure meant not just for shelter, but for experience.
I didn't question it.
At this point, surprise felt pointless. Instead, I did what a knight—and a son—had to do. I sent another scroll to my mother. I told her Lady Seraphine would be returning directly to Agro Territory upon our arrival. That she had obligations there. Responsibilities. That pulling her into court politics immediately would be… unwise.
Then I offered an alternative. A visit.
A short vacation, perhaps.
One week.
Next month.
Agro Territory.
The response came faster than I expected. My mother was delighted. My siblings—excited.
