Liona found her mother in the imperial gardens, walking alone among the night-blooming flowers. Two imperial guards stood at a respectful distance, far enough away to provide privacy but close enough to respond if needed.
"Mother," Liona called softly, approaching with the sword-shaped key still clutched in her hand.
Empress Alexia turned. "You've returned from the vault," she observed. "What did you find?"
Liona glanced at the guards before responding. Understanding her daughter's hesitation, the Empress gestured subtly, and the guards retreated further, beyond earshot.
"I found the swords," Liona said once they were alone. "Sunfire and Luna. And a chest I couldn't open."
"The chest contains the Ambrose family records," her mother replied. "It requires Ambrose blood to open."
