My Bratty Wife
Chapter 45 - Forty Five

Chapter 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.

A young footman scurried forward, bowing low as he greeted them. "Welcome to the Royal Palace, Duke and Duchess," he said in a respectful tone. "Your luggage will be brought to your chambers."

Ryan nodded curtly, his gaze already scanning the entrance hall. "Thank you. We require an audience with the King immediately."

The footman’s eyes widened slightly. "An audience at this hour, Your Grace? The King is most likely preparing for his evening meal."

Ryan’s jaw clenched. "It is a matter of utmost urgency," he stated, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Inform him of our arrival. We shall wait."

The footman bowed once more. "Very well, Your Grace. Please follow me."

He led them through the grand entrance hall, the polished marble floor reflecting their figures. The air hung heavy with the scent of flowers and polished wood, a slight difference to the fresh air of the open road.

Suzy followed Ryan closely, her eyes taking in the opulent surroundings. Crystal chandeliers glittered overhead, casting a warm glow on the elaborate tapestries and gilded furniture. This was a world of wealth and privilege, a world far removed from her own.

They reached a spacious waiting room, furnished with plush velvet armchairs and an highly decorated fireplace. The footman excused himself, leaving them in a tense silence.

Suzy sank into one of the armchairs, her fingers nervously smoothing the folds of her gown. Restless and anxious, she found herself stealing glances at Ryan. His expression remained unreadable, a stoic mask that gave away nothing of his thoughts.

Suddenly, the heavy oak door creaked open, and the young footman reappeared. This time, a flicker of relief softened his features. "My apologies for the delay, your Graces," he began, bowing low. "The King has been informed of your arrival and requests your presence in the dining room."

Suzy straightened in her seat, a wave of nervous excitement washing over her. An audience with the King himself was a daunting prospect, even more so at this late hour.

Ryan stood up, smoothing out any wrinkles in his coat. "Thank you," he said curtly, his voice betraying no emotion. "Lead the way."

The footman bowed once more and turned, leading them out of the waiting room and down a seemingly endless hallway. Suzy, following close behind Ryan, marveled at the luxuriousness that surrounded them. Portraits of stern-faced monarchs adorned the walls, and thick carpets muffled the sound of their footsteps.

The scent of roasted meat and spices filling their nostrils. The image of a sumptuous feast conjured in Suzy’s mind helped to ease her anxiety. Perhaps a good meal was exactly what they needed after the long and stressful journey.

Finally, they reached a set of massive double doors that stood ajar, revealing a warm glow of light spilling out from within. The footman paused and announced in a clear voice, "Their Graces, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Carleton." The doors swung open, revealing a grand dining room.

The dining room, vast and luxurious, seemed to shimmer under the warm glow of countless candles. A long table, laden with a feast fit for a king, stretched down the center of the room. Fine china and crystal glinted in the candlelight, and an enticing aroma of roasted meats and fresh herbs filled the air.

Seated at the head of the table were a regal couple, their faces etched with lines of authority and experience. King Albert III, a man with a benevolent face and eyes that held a lifetime of love for his people, wore a richly embroidered crimson robe. Queen Victoria, resplendent in a gown of sapphire blue silk, radiated an air of quiet dignity.

As they entered the room, all conversation ceased. A hush fell over the room, the servants eyes fixed on the arriving guests. The King’s gaze immediately fell upon them. A flicker of surprise crossed his features, quickly replaced by a warm smile.

"Grand Duke and Duchess of Carleton," he boomed in a surprisingly jovial voice. "What a pleasant surprise! We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow."

Ryan, with grace, bowed low before the King and Queen. "Your Majesty, Your Highness," he said in a respectful tone. "We apologize for the lateness of our arrival." He glanced at Suzy then continued "Unforeseen circumstances caused a delay."

The King waved his hand dismissively. "Circumstances happen. But come, come! Join us. You must be famished after your journey."

He gestured towards two empty chairs on his right side. Suzy, gathering her composure, performed a curtsy, her heart pounding in her chest. This was the first time she had ever been in the presence of royalty, and the formal atmosphere made her feel slightly out of place.

Ryan, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease. He pulled out a chair and gestured for Suzy to sit before taking his own seat.

As they settled in, the Queen turned to Suzy, a warm smile on her face. "We’ve heard so much about you, Duchess. Welcome to the palace."

Suzy, flustered by the Queen’s attention, managed a small smile and a polite "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The King chuckled, a rich, rumbling sound that filled the room. "No need for formalities tonight. Let us dispense with titles for this meal, at least. Consider it a small gathering of friends."

He then clapped his hands, and a small army of servants began bustling around the table, serving them a variety of delicacies. There was succulent roast pheasant glazed with honey, tender cuts of venison bathed in a rich red wine sauce, and a selection of roasted vegetables seasoned to perfection. A platter piled high with crusty bread and an assortment of cheeses completed the spread and the final course was a decadent chocolate cake that melted in their mouths.

As they enjoyed the delicious food and engaging conversation, Suzy couldn’t help but steal glances at Ryan. He seemed more relaxed than he had been all day, engaging in the conversation with the King and Queen with a sharp wit and surprising humor.

Her initial nervousness fading, found herself drawn into the conversation. The King, surprisingly jovial, regaled them with tales of his adventures with Duke Charles, Ryan’s father, while the Queen offered insights into court life.

She found herself surprised at how comfortable she felt amidst the splendor of the palace. The King and Queen, despite their royal status, were remarkably down-to-earth, and their genuine warmth put her at ease.

As the meal progressed, a sense of friendship settled around the table. Ryan, though still reserved, continued with the conversation, occasionally offering a witty remark that drew a laugh from the King.

Suzy, watching him interact with the royals, noticed a flicker of amusement in his eyes she hadn’t seen before. A thought crossed her mind – perhaps there was more to Ryan than just his stoic facade.

The dinner, though unexpected, ended up being a pleasant surprise. As they rose from the table, the King patted Ryan on the shoulder. "Ryan," he said with a smile, "I trust you’ll be able to shed more light on the investigation at a more... appropriate place."

Ryan met the King’s gaze with a steely glint in his eyes. "Of course, Your Majesty," he replied. "I wouldn’t dream of keeping you in the dark any longer than necessary."

As they were ushered out of the dining room, the Queen’s parting words hung in the air. "I trust you’ll be comfortable, Duke and Duchess," she said with a warm smile. "I’ve had a room prepared for you."

Suzy and Ryan exchanged a surprised glance. "A room?" Suzy blurted out, her voice barely above a whisper. The idea of sharing a room after the events of the day was... unexpected, to say the least.

The King boomed with a hearty laugh. "Of course, my dear Duchess! Why on earth would a married couple sleep in separate chambers?" He chuckled, seemingly oblivious to the unexpected tension that hung in the air.

Suzy opened her mouth to protest, a flurry of arguments forming in her mind. The impropriety of it, the thought of sleeping in the same bed with him... But before she could utter a word, before she could voice her protest, she felt a strong hand grip hers. Ryan, his expression unreadable, squeezed her hand firmly, effectively silencing her.

"Thank you, Your Majesties," he said, his voice smooth and courteous. "Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated." He released her hand as quickly as he had taken it, leaving Suzy feeling a mix of frustration and annoyance. "A room for both of us will be perfect." He cast a fleeting glance at Suzy, his expression unreadable.

The King clapped Ryan on the shoulder. "Excellent! Then I shall assume you both require some rest after your long journey. Ryan, perhaps you’d care to join me in my study for a nightcap? We can discuss the matters of the investigation at length."

Ryan inclined his head in a curt nod. "Of course, Your Majesty. I would be honored."

The Queen, meanwhile, summoned a young maid with a gentle wave of her hand. "Esme," she instructed in a soft voice, "please show the Duchess to her room and see to her comfort."

With a final bow to the Queen, Ryan turned towards Suzy. "We shall meet again shortly, Duchess," he said.

With a final exchange of pleasantries, they parted ways. Ryan, with a curt nod in her direction, followed the King towards his study. Suzy, paired with the young maid Esme, turned and headed in the opposite direction.