Chapter 44 - Forty Four
A sliver of sunlight peeked through the window, slicing through the darkness of Suzy’s room. The persistent chirping of birds outside served as a rude awakening, shattering the peaceful slumber she had enjoyed. Yawning and stretching, Suzy sat up, the remnants of a dream fading from her mind.
Reality, however, hit her like a cold slap. They were due to leave for the palace at first light, and looking out the window, she could see a clear blue sky replacing the night’s sky. With a jolt, Suzy realized she needed to get moving.
Throwing off the covers, she hurried to the washbasin for a quick freshening up. While the cool water splashed against her face, she mentally reviewed her wardrobe, selecting a simple yet elegant gown for the audience with the King.
Slipping out of her nightgown, she reached for the gown, a beautiful ruby red creation that hugged her curves in all the right places. Everything seemed perfect until she tried to fasten the corset at the back. Her fingers fumbled with the lacing, frustration mounting with each failed attempt.
"Curse these ridiculous corsets!" she muttered under her breath, tugging at the laces with increasing impatience. The gown, meant to make a good impression, now felt like a torture device.
Minutes bled into what felt like hours, but the corset remained stubbornly untied. Suzy’s initial annoyance morphed into full-blown panic. Ryan had specifically told her last night to be ready to leave early. The image of him waiting outside her door, his face etched with impatience, sent a shiver down her spine.
"Just great," she groaned, sinking onto the edge of the bed. Why, oh why, had she insisted on wearing this particular gown? There were others, simpler ones that wouldn’t require the assistance of a contortionist to put on.
She tried again. The laces, tight and unforgiving, refused to budge. She tugged and pulled, her frustration mounting with each failed attempt. Now, she understood why some women resorted to having maids for such tasks.
Suddenly, a sharp rap on the door sent her heart into overdrive. "Duchess! Are you ready?" came Ryan’s clipped voice from the other side.
Suzy’s stomach lurched. There was no way she could answer the door looking like this, half-dressed and defeated by a simple corset. "Just a minute!" she called back, hoping her voice didn’t betray her growing panic.
With a sigh of frustration, he raised his voice and barked, "Duchess! This is unacceptable! I specifically told you last night we needed to be on the road at dawn!"