Chapter 46 - Forty Six
As they walked down the hallway, Esme, a girl with a bright smile and friendly demeanor, cast Suzy a curious glance. "You must be tired, Duchess," she said politely. "The journey from your Duchy must have been long."
Suzy managed a weak smile. "Indeed, Esme," she replied. "But the palace is... magnificent. I can see why they call it a royal residence."
Esme beamed. "Oh, it is, Duchess! These walls hold many stories, wouldn’t you agree?" She continued to chatter as they walked, pointing out interesting features of the palace and sharing amusing short stories about its past inhabitants.
Suzy, despite her initial reservations, found herself drawn into Esme’s warmth and enthusiasm. The unexpected turn of events – the shared room, the King’s invitation to Ryan – had left her feeling bewildered and slightly apprehensive. But Esme’s friendly presence offered a welcome distraction, a small sense of normalcy amidst the grand opulence of the palace.
As they finally reached a set of elaborately carved doors, Esme stopped and curtsied. "Here we are, Duchess. This will be your chamber for the night." She opened the door, revealing a room that could only be described as luxurious.
Suzy stepped inside, her breath catching in her throat. A plush velvet bed dominated the room, draped in fine silks and adorned with fluffy pillows. A crackling fire danced in the hearth, casting a warm glow on the polished wood furniture and rich tapestries. This was a room fit for a queen, not a weary traveler.
"I trust you will find everything to your liking, Duchess," Esme said, her voice barely a whisper in the vast space. "If there’s anything you require, please do not hesitate to ring this bell." She pointed to a small silver bell on a nearby table.
Suzy managed a tired smile. "Thank you, Esme. You’ve been most helpful."
Esme curtsied once more before exiting the room, closing the door softly behind her. Suzy, alone in the chamber, sank onto a plush armchair by the fireplace. The fire crackled, casting long shadows on the walls, and she couldn’t help but wonder what the night held for her.