Autobot Base. Late Cycle.

The command room was illuminated by the cool blue light of holographic screens. Optimus stood at the central console when the massive figure of Ultra Magnus appeared on the comm screen.

His voice, as always, was direct and formal.

"Optimus Prime."

"The Royal Family of Cybertron formally expresses its gratitude to the Autobots for their assistance in repelling the Decepticon forces."

He paused briefly.

"The King and Queen invite you and your team to an official reception."

"Formally, as a token of gratitude." "Informally, to enhance the security of the Royal Energon."

Bulkhead leaned toward Bumblebee.

"Royal Energon.."

"That sounds like something they'd definitely be hunting for."

"You mean… a palace? A real palace?" — Bumblebee clarified. His optics lit up with almost childish curiosity.

Ratchet gave a skeptical chuckle.

"I'm less worried about the palace than about how many more Decepticons might be hiding there."

Prowl stood slightly behind, arms crossed, optics narrowed.

"If they're calling us now," — he said dryly, — "then they still consider the threat active."

"Royal blood is a priority target."

Optimus nodded. — "We will accept the invitation."

"Not just out of politeness. But because protecting civilians is our duty."

The screen with Magnus went dark.

A brief silence fell over the room.

Bulkhead cleared his throat. — "Well then.."

"I've never guarded a king and queen. This will be.. different.

Bumblebee chuckled. — "I hope there's at least decent Energon in there."

Ratchet narrowed his optics slightly. — "You're only thinking about food."

Prowl said nothing. But inside, he was already running through possible threats, routes, guard positions.

The next day. Approaching the palace.

The palace towered over the plains like an ancient guardian of the planet. Massive towers. Shining walls of a rare alloy. Symbols of ancient dynasties, etched directly into the metal.

Bulkhead whistled softly. — "Okay. This is truly impressive."

Bumblebee turned his head. — "Everything here is.. different."

"Even the air."

"Don't relax." — Ratchet said dryly.

Prowl carefully examined every balcony. Every window. Every possible sniping spot.

The main gates opened almost silently.

They were greeted by a butler.

A tall, slender Autobot of an older model. His armor was polished to a mirror shine, his movements precise and impeccably polite.

"Welcome to the royal palace," — he said with a slight bow.

"I am the guardian of the hall and a servant of the royal family for over a thousand cycles."

He gestured for them to enter.

The corridors were enormous. The vaults were decorated with ancient frescoes. The walls were covered with scenes of victories, dynasties, and coronations.

"This palace is the most famous on the entire planet," — the butler said, leading them forward.

"And the most private. Even many high-ranking officials never crossed its threshold without a personal invitation."

Bulkhead quietly. "Wow."

Optimus nodded, listening attentively.

"I feel.. small." — Bumblebee said impressed, looking at and touching everything along the way.

Ratchet silently scanned his surroundings.

Prowl.. Prowl felt a strange tension.

Not a threat. Not danger. Something else.

The main hall.

The doors swung open.

A vast throne room. Light streamed from above. In the center, the king and queen.

They stood side by side, majestic, strong, calm.

And next to them, a smaller figure.

You.

Not in battle armor. Not as a soldier.

As part of the royal house.

For a moment, the hall seemed frozen.

Bumblebee quietly said. "Oh..."

Bulkhead smiled. — "That's it.."

Ratchet straightened respectfully.

Optimus bowed his head in respect.

But Prowl..

Prowl froze.

For a split second, he forgot about security. About protocol. About threats.

Something strange.. warmed in his spark.

He looked at you longer than he should have. Without even realizing it.