Knock—
Knock—
The sound of the door knocking jolted Audrey from her state of morning lethargy, stirring her from the state of laziness.
She groggily shifted beneath her warm blanket, reluctant to leave the cosy confines of her bed.
With a groan, Audrey swung her legs over the edge of the bed and slipped her feet into a pair of slippers to protect them from the chilly floor.
Her breath formed small puffs of mist in the air as she glanced outside, observing the faint light of dawn just beginning to break through the darkness.
"Did you order something?" Audrey questioned, her voice still heavy with sleepiness.
Her assistant, however, shook her head in response, denying Audrey's assumption. The knock on the door had taken them both by surprise, and they were unsure of its origin.
"Go take a look," Audrey instructed her assistant, her curiosity piqued. With a nod, her assistant approached the door cautiously, her steps echoing in the hushed room.
She reached for the doorknob and slowly turned it, revealing a staff from The Golden Crown Inn standing on the other side.
The staff's breath formed visible puffs of mist in the cold morning air, emphasizing the frigid weather that enveloped the city. Her face bore an apologetic expression as she explained the reason for her interruption.
"I'm terribly sorry to disturb you, Miss," the staff began, her voice tinged with a slight shiver. "There seems to be a letter sent for you."
Audrey, still wrapped in her warm blanket, looked up with mild surprise as the staff handed over the letter to her assistant.
The staff's gloved hand trembled slightly in the cold morning air. Nevertheless, she maintained her poise and extended her hand to receive the letter.
The sight of the seal intrigued the staff, and she couldn't help but wonder about the identity of the two young ladies who had received such correspondence.
She knew that The Golden Crown Inn often accommodated nobles and individuals of high status, so it was not entirely surprising to receive a letter with a royal seal.
The thing is she couldn't recognize the face of these two young ladies.
"Thank you for delivering this," Audrey's assistant said, offering a gracious smile to the staff.
The staff nodded, a mixture of respect and curiosity lingering in her gaze. With a slight bow, she turned to leave the room with her thoughts.
The letter was immediately passed to Audrey. Her fingers delicately traced the edges of the envelope. The weight of anticipation hung in the room as she carefully broke the seal and unfolded the crisp paper within.
As Audrey's eyes scanned the elegant script, her brows furrowed in concentration.
The letter bore the emblem of the Blueriver Palace, confirming its official nature.
[Dear Esteemed Diplomat of Ryntum,
We have received your letter, in which you kindly requested an audience with our revered ruler to engage in discussions regarding the peace treaty. It brings us great pleasure to convey the news that Prince Baldwin Boris Barlia has graciously agreed to meet with you.
The meeting will be arranged at our palace on the first day of June. Please bring this letter with you when you are heading to the palace.
We eagerly await your arrival.I think you should take a look at
Sincerely,
Harford Harper]
"Finally!" After two days of waiting, the long-awaited reply had finally arrived.
Excitement flickered in Audrey's eyes as she turned to her assistant. "Get ready, we have been invited to the palace," she exclaimed. Her assistant's face lit up with anticipation, mirroring Audrey's excitement.
Audrey's mind raced with thoughts of preparation. Although she wishes the palace would send a letter earlier, it is not like she is in a position to complain.
There's one more thing she needs to tackle though.
She knew that a carriage would be the most fitting mode of transportation for such an occasion. "Check with the inn if they have a carriage available for us to rent," she instructed her assistant. "We can't possibly walk into the palace by foot like going to any other establishment."
Audrey's assistant descended the stairs and made her way to the reception area where the helpful receptionist stood.
The receptionist, recognizing her, greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Miss," the receptionist said. "How may I assist you today?"
The assistant returned the smile. "I was wondering if you have a carriage available for rent.
The receptionist nodded. "Certainly, we do have carriages available. Please follow me to the back where they are parked."
The assistant followed the receptionist.
As they reached the back of the inn, a sight that exceeded her expectations greeted the assistant.
Various carriages, each more elegant than the last, were lined up in an orderly fashion. The craftsmanship and attention to detail showcased the inn's commitment to providing a luxurious experience.
The assistant's eyes widened with delight at the sight before her. The carriages boasted intricate designs, adorned with gold accents and plush interiors. From sleek carriages to more traditional and ornate ones.
There was a range of options to choose from.
"It seems we have quite a selection," the receptionist commented, gesturing to the array of carriages. "Please take your time to choose the one that suits your preferences."
The assistant considered the time constraints they were facing.
Realizing the urgency, she turned to the receptionist and spoke with a polite and a bit of embarrassing tone, "Actually, we don't really have time to browse through the options. Could you be kind enough to suggest a carriage that is suitable for our journey to the palace?"
The receptionist nodded understandingly. She carefully evaluated the available carriages, considering their style, size, and overall regal appearance.
After a moment of contemplation, she spoke, "I would recommend the carriage over there, Miss." The receptionist pointed her finger out. "It is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. It has ornate detailing, a plush interior, and spacious seating. The exterior, though modestly adorned, exudes understated elegance, inviting admiration without ostentation, and conveying a humble aura."
She nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for your suggestion. We will gladly take it."
The receptionist smiled, pleased with the assistant's decision. She quickly arranged for the carriage to be prepared, ensuring that it would be ready for their departure to the palace.