Carlton marches through the gilded palace halls with the determination of a general leading troops to battle, except his army consists of seven royal offspring plus one honorary member—Kilian, his pint-sized fanboy who might someday legally join the family tree. His stride remains regal despite the lingering soreness in places that would make lesser men wince with each step.
The sound of eight pairs of tiny footsteps creates a chaotic percussion behind him as they struggle to keep pace with his furious march. Every servant they pass flattens against the wall, wide-eyed at the sight of this impromptu royal procession led by a clearly incensed Empress.
