Chapter 862 Royal Palace Invitation

• The aristocratic banquet and evening ball lay hours away. Bringing Annabeth early meant introductions to his father and mother could unfold without the glare of chandeliers—and offered ample daylight for wandering marbled corridors and, perhaps, uncovering other truths he needed her to see.
• Guest that she was—and having promised Loki—Annabeth accepted the itinerary without protest, matching his stride in quiet agreement.
• The sedan rolled beneath Birch Palace's archway and halted. Soldiers in scarlet uniforms lined the gateway, polished rifles snapped to their shoulders. The visible cordon was precise, ceremonial.