••{THIRTY YEARS AGO}••
••{EROS'S POV}••
The forest stretches endlessly ahead of us, tall trees rising on either side of the road as we ride through it.
Sunlight filters through the leaves in broken streams of gold, catching on the gold-threaded banners that carry Astragarde's crest. The sound of dozens of hooves against the dirt road blends with the low hum of conversations, and the occasional sharp command from a captain further up the line.
It's a procession unlike anything most men will ever see.
Rows of royal guards ride in formation, their armor bearing the crest of House Aurelian. Behind them, nobles and attendants follow in clusters, their fine garments standing out against the greens and browns of the forest. Supply wagons roll steadily, escorted on either side.
And at the center of it all is my family.
I ride just behind my older brother, Aricel.
Aricel Aurelian, Crown Prince of Astragarde, doesn't need to try.
