Chapter 148: The Unforgiving Cold
Irene would learn quickly that escorting Duchess Arlin was only the tip of the iceberg in terms of high-maintenance travelers.
The apprentice was happy to see that, after she got into warm clothing, armor, an outer coat, and a cloak, the entire entourage was on time. Even the Princess and Prince were already headed into the carriage when the apprentices pulled their horses around to the front of the Duke’s Tower.
They set off early in the morning to ensure they were settled into the next destination by the time the sun set. Their travels would take them along the edge of the entire mountain range until they got to Earl Auden’s home nestled against the last of the mountains where his world-famous mine stood behind his large property.
While Prince Alfred and Princess Marie didn’t ask for a lot or interrupt the travel, it was their helpers who went to great lengths to ensure a comfortable trip. They required stops to start fires and warm the stones that they would place under the seats since the passengers were so cold.
The maid even came out occasionally to demand they stop for snacks and drinks since the meals they ate during travel weren’t large.
When the maids were in the carriage and they were slowly moving forward, Irene leaned into Leif and muttered, "If they kept the carriage doors closed, there would be less of an issue about the temperature inside."
The older apprentice grinned in response then pulled his scarf over his face.
"You’re going to get us in trouble," he responded lightly.
Irene shrugged and then squeezed her knees to push Sorrel forward. The horse huffed in disagreement but he always listened to whatever she demanded of him.