Squabee and Maria walked up the palace stairs to reach the guards at the front door. Maria's armor was dirtied but still in pristine condition. The guards noticed she didn't have a weapon and eased their shoulders slightly.
"Stop where you are, citizens. What brings you to the palace?"
"We came to look for my mom. Her name is Lidia Rose. Does that ring any bells?"
"What does she look like?"
"She's tall, has tan skin, brown hair, she has a very... vibrant personality. She was probably walking around with a tall handsome guy with dark hair and blue eyes."
The guard studied Squabee, who was still being carried comfortably on Maria's back.
"What about you?"
"Same thing. We're a package deal!"
The guard grabbed a dagger that was sheathed in by Squabee's waist.
"No weapons allowed in the palace from citizens. I'm sure you understand."
Both Squabee and Maria checked themselves for any weapons around them, but the guard had taken the only one they had.
