Chapter 363: The Carriage, Rain and Breakfast
Morning arrived with the scent of damp earth and the crisp bite of fresh air. The storm from the previous night had left its mark—puddles dotted the roads, and the sky still held a lingering gloom, though the first rays of the sun were beginning to push through.
Lucius, ever the early riser, stood by the carriage with his arms crossed, surveying their traveling party. Alaric was double-checking the supplies, while Salviana tightened the cloak around her shoulders. Jean, on the other hand, was still grumbling as she climbed into the carriage.
"This is cruel," she muttered dramatically. "I barely got any sleep, and now we’re off again?"
"You slept like a baby," Lucius teased, smirking as he leaned against the carriage door.
Jean shot him a glare. "I had to keep one eye open in case you tried to stuff more food down my throat."
"I only do that because I care," Lucius said with mock sincerity.
Jean huffed, but Alaric interrupted their bickering with a sharp whistle. "We need to move. The roads are worse than expected, and if we delay any longer, we’ll be stuck traveling at night."
Jaefel and Samion, their knights, climbed onto their horses, ever watchful. They had spent the night guarding the lord and lady, ensuring their safety while barely resting themselves. Manni, the coachman, had stayed at the castle with the other servants, readying the carriage.
The group set off, the wheels of the carriage splashing through the muddy road. The journey would take time, but they had no choice—Wyfhaven awaited.
Jean, still half-asleep, sighed dramatically. "Can we at least stop for breakfast somewhere?"
Lucius grinned. "No breaks, pumpkin."