The castle was vast so vast that despite having lived here my entire life, I had never fully explored its halls. Today, that was about to change.
With Mara and Elira flanking me, Smaug padding lazily behind, I stepped into the first corridor of what would be an exhaustingly detailed guided tour.
The head steward, a stiff old man named Aldric, stood before us, radiating the kind of energy that suggested he had long given up on being fazed by this family's antics. His uniform was immaculate, his posture straight as a blade.
"Your Highness," he greeted, bowing slightly. "Per your request, I will guide you through every major wing of the palace. This tour shall be thorough, informative, and—"
Smaug yawned loudly, flopping onto the floor.
Aldric didn't even blink. "—efficient."
I sighed. "Let's get this over with."
