Chapter 42 - Forty Two
A rooster’s crow pierced the pre-dawn darkness, dragging Suzy from the warm embrace of her slumber. She groaned, burying her head deeper into the soft pillows. "Ugh, it’s still practically the middle of the night!" she grumbled, burrowing deeper into the warmth.
But the relentless crowing wouldn’t relent, acting like a particularly annoying alarm clock with feathers. Suzy finally threw the covers back with a huff, her hair a wild mess that resembled a bird’s nest after a particularly aggressive squirrel attack.
Today was the day of their departure for the palace, and Ryan, with his usual lack of consideration for sleep-loving souls, had declared an early start. Suzy felt like a grumpy badger roused from its winter burrow.
"Traveling with Ryan is like an adventure," she muttered sarcastically as she shuffled towards the bathroom. "An adventure for masochists, that is."
The early morning bustle of the castle did little to improve her mood. Servants scurried around like ants on a sugar rush, polishing silver, dusting furniture, and packing enough luggage for a royal vacation (even though Ryan had insisted they were traveling light).
Suzy surveyed the scene with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. "Honestly," she muttered to herself, "you’d think the King himself was visiting, not just some grumpy Grand Duke and his reluctant Duchess."
Doris appeared at her side laden with a selection of gowns. "Good morning, Milady," she said cheerfully, despite the ungodly hour. "His Grace has instructed me to assist you with your travel attire."
Suzy grimaced. "Travel attire? At this hour? Couldn’t we leave when the sun actually rises?" she pleaded with a sigh. "My complexion won’t survive this lack of proper sleep."
Doris chuckled, unfazed by Suzy’s exaggerated dramatics. "I’m afraid not, Milady. The royal carriage will arrive shortly."
Suzy sighed dramatically once more, then surrendered to Doris’ ministrations. She allowed herself to be bathed, dressed in a practical yet elegant traveling gown, and even had her hair styled into a high ponytail (though a stray curl or two inevitably escaped).
Breakfast was a rushed affair, consisting of dry toast and a sliver of fruit that Suzy barely managed to choke down. Finally, with a flourish more befitting a queen than a Duchess, she swept out of the castle and towards the waiting carriage.