"Pray do," said Temeraire. "Only take care not to overexert yourself; we will need all the energy we have, if we are attacked."

He frowned a little as they drew nearer; as of yet nothing stirred within the palace or on its grounds. Not that he knew what sort of welcome he was expecting, precisely--armed guards, perhaps, or some sort of projectiles aimed their way--but he could not help but feel suspicious.