Bab 45: Chapter Forty Five

The carriage lurched to a halt, the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses replaced by an eerie silence. Suzy peeked out the window, taking in the imposing facade of the palace. The setting sun cast long shadows across the manicured gardens, painting the scene in an almost magical twilight glow.

"We're here," Ryan announced, his voice clipped as always.  He opened the carriage door and stepped down, his movements efficient and unhurried.

Suzy, still trying to shake off the unsettling encounter in the inn, hesitated for a moment before gathering her skirts and preparing to disembark.  She noticed Ryan extend his hand towards her, a silent offer of assistance.

"Thank you," she said politely, her voice a tad stiff.  "But I can manage."  She leaped down from the carriage with a practiced grace, the memory of his surprising touch sending a shiver down her spine.