Chapter 32 #2
By the time they reached the outskirts of the city, they were all exhausted from multiple days of travel through the desert.
They had tried to ride mostly at night, but before they had used the stars for navigation and with them missing, it was easy to get lost. That created a need for some daytime travel in order to orient themselves with the sun.
As they got closer, small stone houses began to appear around them, and, just as Zane remembered it, suddenly they were in the midst of the city.
It seemed to come out of nowhere—the red-brown stone buildings blending in seamlessly into the surroundings.
Istoria was similar to Nyr, in that there was no ‘poor district’ like the outer ring of Athusia.
Everyone appeared to prosper with roofs over their heads, ready access to food, and proper clothing.
The sounds of the city surrounded them—shouting, haggling, children playing—and they walked past several food stalls that had Zane salivating.
He also remembered the seasonings and local cuisine to be absolutely divine.
Zane steered Ryunn closer to Emmeric and Iyana to be heard over the noise. He pointed off to their right.
“That’s the palace, there.”
It was red rock like the rest of the buildings, but this one was built directly into a cliff face.
It soared higher and higher, and while it appeared to be smaller compared to Nyr or Athusia, Zane remembered there were many deeper levels that delved further into the rock.
Iyana let out a small gasp, and Zane found himself smiling at her enthusiastic wonder.
As someone who had grown up as royalty, he often forgot how awe-inspiring a castle or palace could be.
When they arrived at the gate, the guards—armed with spears taller than they were—stopped them immediately.
“No entry for anyone by decree of the queen,” one of them stated.
Ryunn pranced forward lightly. It was a subtle move that Zane had worked tirelessly to perfect because it showcased not only his warhorse’s strength, but also his obedience. It screamed ‘wealth.’
“I am Zane Holygazer, rightful emperor of Athusa following my father’s death. I have come to speak with Queen Camilia about the threat against our continent.”
The two guards glanced at each other, then the one who had spoken nodded his head towards the gates. The other looked at Zane skeptically, but ran through a small, locked door within the gate—presumably to announce their arrival.
With the guard silently observing them, they waited in front of the palace for roughly three-quarters of an hour before the gates creaked open and they were admitted.
Once their horses were stabled, they were led through hallway after hallway and up several flights of stairs.
Zane was nowhere near out of shape, but he was breathing hard by the time they reached their floor.
Poor Iyana seemed about ready to collapse—her chest was heaving, and she pushed sweaty hair out of her face.
The windows overlooked the city and were unnerving because they were open, without glass. One stumble could send someone fifty feet down to their death. Zane made sure to stay closer to the solid stone wall instead of taking the chance.
They were admitted into a modestly-sized room that Uther would have been embarrassed to call a throne room.
There were tall ceilings, though, and multiple open windows that let in a pleasant breeze.
The queen and prince consort sat on chairs, side by side, although hers was slightly larger.
The women had always ruled in Istora, and when they died, the crown passed to the closest female relative.
Zane’s name was announced, and he bowed low, noticing his companions doing the same.
Queen Camilia Vinta cut a commanding figure, even as an elderly woman.
She sat on her throne with a straight back, her silver hair braided in a simple plait.
Her brown eyes were still sharp, and Zane knew they would see right through anything other than the truth.
The queen had seemed imposing when he was six, and he realized that hadn’t changed, even more than twenty years later.
Her husband and prince consort, Halim, was of a similar age, with darker skin and more wrinkles that spoke to his life in the military, doing drills outside.
His light brown eyes were kind, and he smiled at the group standing before them.
“Thank you for allowing us entry, Your Majesty.”
“Zane Holygazer,” she said, her voice still strong and untainted by age. “It’s been quite some time. I hadn’t heard of your father’s death. How did he die?”
“The Aztia killed him.” He heard Iyana’s small gasp, but Zane refused to look at her just yet.
There was a game still to be played. “But I assure you it was well-deserved. I had learned recently that he had murdered my mother, had plans to murder me, and was aiming on taking all of Arinem for himself. I am ashamed to say he’d already had me beginning to raid border villages between Athusa and Istora, which is how I was initially acquainted with the Aztia.
” Now he did gesture towards Iyana. “May I present Iyana Astalle, the Aztia, and Emmeric Sullane, her Kanaliza.”
Camilia had been locked on Zane this entire time, probably judging his worth, but now she turned her gaze towards Iyana and all the color drained out of the queen’s face.