After the farmland, we entered the outskirts of the city. I was mesmerized by the diverse scenery as we made our way through the city; from the mud huts with thatched roofs in the outer slums, to the endless rows of townhouses in the residential district, and the tiny rooftop apartments above the various stalls and shops in the commercial district. People of all varieties roamed the streets freely, and I envied their freedom as they worked, shopped, and socialized. 

The last time I had witnessed such a scene, I was half-conscious in the back of a wagon, and in no condition to appreciate the experience. This time, although my situation was just as dire, I was at least able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the market.

Soon I saw a golden gate towering in the distance. Two knights stood at the top, their silver armor contrasting beautifully with the shining gold of the gate. A massive wall of white stone at least four stories tall exended out from the gate, and more knights walked along a fenced path that ran along the top of the wall. 

The Second Prince looked at me with a proud smile and announced, "Welcome to Luz Dorada. Once we pass through these gates, you will find yourself in the mighty and majestic capital of humanity." 

His boastful tone indicated that he expected me to be impressed, and I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't disappoint. My first impression of the gate was magnificence; a fierce and overpowering display of wealth and power.

As we approached, two more knights stood at the entrance, bowing deeply to the carriage. One hastily began to turn a large wheel on the side of the wall, and the door of the gate slowly began to open. 

"His Royal Highness, Prince Eduard de Vray returns!" shouted the other knight, and cheers erupted from the top of the wall. 

"Long live His Highness! Long live Prince Eduard!" shouted a chorus of voices from both the wall above and the streets beyond the gate. To their shouts, the carriage moved forward, passing through the gate of Luz Dorada, the golden city in the heart of Vrayna.

The inhabitants on this side of the wall were undoubtedly a different class of people. Within the city’s inner wall lived the nobles, the wealthy, and the elite. There were no food stalls or street vendors on this side of the wall. Instead, there were tall buildings that housed bankers, armorers, and lawmakers. The inns were opulent and beautifully decorated, catering to noble visitors from the four surrounding duchies. 

There were corner cafes with outdoor patios where the young and beautiful elite sat under umbrellas, sipping their drinks and chatting politely. They looked like they should be part of a painting and not exist in reality. It was as if we'd entered a different world from the chaotic and vibrant outer city. Nothing was out of place; everything was flawless and shiny. However, to me it felt cold and sterile. The perfection was unnerving.

And off in the distance, I could see our destination. In a shining city full of shining things, it was by far the shiniest of them all: The Golden Palace. It towered over all the other buildings, its golden glory akin to a second sun rising over the city. Over ten stories high at its tallest point, with bridges and walkways connecting the multitude of buildings. All of it a blinding, glittering gold.

As I looked at the majestic Golden Palace, my heart sank. I had reached the end of my road, and my short, dark future awaited me in those gilded halls.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" The voice of the Second Prince interrupted my thoughts. "Our ancestors built the Golden Palace in the center of the human world to shine our light into the darkest corners of the land. Soon you shall have the blessing of meeting my brother, the First Prince and Crowned Prince of our nation, Elantro de Vray. My brother, our future King, is a very good man. His kind heart is why his people love him so much, but it makes him a little too generous when dealing with those subhuman beasts. He actually believes that allowing those filthy beasts into our midst is the right thing to do." The Second Prince chuckled lightly, as if what he'd just said was a joke. Then, as his laughter died away, he added, "And let me be clear, if you do anything to shatter my dear brother's illusions, I will see to it that you suffer in unspeakable ways before you die. I wonder how long I would have to torture you before I could hear you shriek in pain? Or would you simply die in silent agony?" 

He smiled as he casually spoke of my imminent death. He met my eyes for a brief moment, and I saw a glimmer of excitement flash in his otherwise emotionless eyes. He was truly willing to torture me if the Crown Prince were to discover the reality of my situation. In fact, that glimmer I'd seen told me that he'd enjoy doing it. He was enjoying all of this.

"Enjoy the sights of our beautiful city while you can. Nothing you've seen before could ever compare to the beauty and wonder of Luz Dorada. Unless, of course, you think cows are more impressive than the Golden Palace," he remarked with a sardonic smile.

I'd rather look at the cows, I thought as I turned my face back to the window. 

The remaining scenery passed before my eyes, each immaculate street looking no different from the last, and soon we arrived at the Palace gates.