Bab 46: Chapter 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.