My Bratty Wife
Chapter 67 - Sixty Seven

Chapter 67: Chapter Sixty Seven

The morning of the ball dawned bright and clear, casting a golden glow over the bustling Carleton Castle. The air crackled with nervous excitement, the culmination of days of tireless preparation. Staff bustled through the corridors, ensuring every detail was in place for the grand event.

Suzy, feeling a knot of anticipation tighten in her stomach, surveyed the ballroom. The room, transformed overnight, was a breathtaking vision. Cascading lilies and fragrant lavender adorned the walls, creating a spring meadow in the heart of the castle. Gleaming silver platters overflowed with an array of delectable treats, a testament to Mrs. Madelyn’s culinary mastery. The entire castle was a symphony of light, music, and anticipation.

A soft rapping at the grand ballroom doors drew Suzy’s attention. A familiar figure, elegant and poised, stood framed in the doorway. It was Madame Helena, the renowned modiste whose dresses were coveted by nobility throughout the land. Beside her stood a young assistant, carrying a large, intricately wrapped box.

"Duchess," Madame Helena greeted, her voice a soothing melody. "Good morning. I’m so glad to see everything is coming together beautifully."

Suzy returned the greeting, a smile spreading across her face. "Good morning, Madame Helena. I’m so relieved you’ve arrived." She continued , a wave of gratitude washing over her. "Everything is under control, of course." She glanced at the box the assistant was carefully carrying. "And that must be..."

Madame Helena chuckled. "Indeed, Duchess. Your gown for tonight’s festivities." Her eyes twinkled with amusement. "Shall we retire to your chambers and see if it meets your expectations?"

With a graceful nod, she ushered madame Helena towards the grand staircase. Suzy, her heart fluttering with excitement, led Madame Helena with excitement in her eyes. They climbed the steps, leaving the vibrant energy of the ballroom behind.

Reaching Suzy’s private chambers, Madame Helena gestured toward the plush armchair in the sitting area. "Please, Duchess," she invited, "relax for a moment. My assistant and I will prepare the space for the fitting."

Suzy sank onto the chair, a sense of calm washing over her. Watching Madame Helena’s assistant carefully unwrap the box, a thrill of anticipation shot through her. The box, a work of art itself, hinted at the treasures it contained.

"Duchess," Madame Helena announced, her voice radiating pride, "I present your gown for tonight’s ball." She carefully lifted the dress from the box, unfolding it with the reverence one would bestow upon a priceless artifact.

Suzy gasped. The dress, crafted from a shimmering emerald fabric that seemed to catch the light like moonlight on water, was breathtaking. Intricate beadwork, like scattered stardust, adorned the bodice. The silhouette flowed effortlessly from a fitted waist to a graceful skirt that whispered promises of movement and elegance.

"It’s... it’s incredible, Madame Helena," Suzy stammered, mesmerized by the dress’s beauty. "It’s more than I ever could have imagined."

Madame Helena’s eyes twinkled with satisfaction. "I believe it will suit you perfectly, Duchess," she said. "Now, let us begin the fitting, and ensure this masterpiece becomes one with your grace and elegance."

———————

A sharp rap echoed on the heavy oak door of Ryan’s study. "Come in," he called out, his voice laced with a hint of frustration.

The door creaked open, and Thorne entered. His normally sharp eyes held a glint of disappointment. He closed the door behind him with a soft thud and took a seat opposite Ryan at the cluttered desk.

"Thorne," Ryan acknowledged, his voice heavy. "Any progress on the investigation?"

Thorne sighed, running a hand through his already tousled hair. "Nothing concrete, Your Grace," he admitted. "We’ve exhausted all leads from the nobility, but either the murderer isn’t of high birth or they’ve been exceptionally careful about concealing their identity."

Ryan frowned, his fingers drumming a rhythmic sound on the desk. "No new deaths in the past week, either," he noted, his voice thoughtful.

"That’s true, Your Grace," Thorne confirmed. "It’s almost like..."

"Like they’ve shifted their target," Ryan finished his thought, his eyes hardening. Something wasn’t right. The murderer’s sudden change of pattern reeked of a new strategy.

"Exactly," Thorne agreed, his voice grim. "And with the Carleton Ball just a few hours away, it has me worried. All the nobles will be in attendance."

Ryan’s jaw clenched. Thorne was right. The ball presented the perfect opportunity for another attack. He couldn’t let that happen.

Ryan said, a sense of urgency seeping into his voice. "We need to be on high alert. Double the security around the castle, and have every guest thoroughly vetted before they arrive."

"Agreed, Your Grace," Thorne said, standing up and bowing. "I’ll get right on it.

"Good," Ryan said, a hint of grim satisfaction in his voice. "However, I’ll join the investigation after the ball.

" Of course, Your Grace." Thorne said. With that, he exited the study, leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts and the weighty responsibility of ensuring the safety of his guests at the upcoming ball.

He tapped a restless rhythm on his desk, a frown creasing his brow. Finally, he reached for the heavy crystal decanter on his side table and poured himself a generous serving of wine. He swirled the ruby liquid in his glass, a deep sigh escaping his lips.

Just then, a sharp knock on the door startled him. "Come in," he called out, his voice strained.

The door creaked open and Noah entered the room. His tall, imposing figure filled the doorway, his piercing gaze conveying an air of unwavering loyalty.

"You wished to see me, Your Grace?" Noah inquired, his voice a low rumble.

Ryan gestured to the chair opposite him. "Yes, Noah. Please, have a seat."

Noah took a seat, his posture ramrod straight. Ryan took a long sip of his wine before speaking. "Tonight is the Carleton Ball," he began, his voice heavy with concern. "The duchess will be the center of attention, surrounded by unfamiliar faces."

Noah’s head dipped in a silent acknowledgment. He knew what was coming.

"I need you to ensure her safety," Ryan continued, his gaze locking onto Noah’s. "Tonight, more than ever, her well-being is paramount."

A flicker of steely determination passed through Noah’s eyes. "The Duchess’s safety is always my top priority, Your Grace," he stated firmly. "You have my word, I will not fail you."

Ryan felt a wave of relief wash over him. He knew he could rely on Noah. "See that you don’t," Ryan replied, his voice regaining its strength. "There will be many dignitaries and social climbers at the ball. Keep a watchful eye for anyone who seems out of place, anyone who might pose a threat."

"Consider it done, Your Grace," Noah assured him. "I will blend into the background, yet remain ever vigilant. No one will get close to the Duchess without me noticing."

Ryan nodded, a sliver of confidence returning to his eyes. "Good. I trust your judgment, Noah."

They sat in silence for a moment longer, the only sound the crackling fire and the clinking of ice in Ryan’s glass. Finally, Noah rose to his feet. "Then I shall take my leave, Your Grace."

Noah gave a curt nod and exited the study, leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts. He raised his glass to his lips, this time the wine tasting a little less bitter.

—————————-

Suzy sighed contentedly, sinking deeper into the warm, fragrant bathwater. "Mmm, Doris," she murmured, "this is exactly what I needed."

Doris chuckled softly. "A long soak always does the trick, doesn’t it, Milady?" she said, expertly wielding a loofah to scrub Suzy’s back.

Suzy closed her eyes, picturing the upcoming evening. "Tonight’s the night, isn’t it? The grand Carleton ball."

"Indeed, Milady," Doris replied, carefully rinsing the soap off her back. "It’ll be the talk of the kingdom, I’m sure."

Suzy couldn’t help but smile. Weeks of preparation and the day has finally arrived. She couldn’t wait to see what she have done herself.

As Suzy stepped out of the bath and wrapped herself in a plush towel, Doris bustled about the room, preparing her emerald green dress. "This color looks absolutely stunning on you, Milady," she commented, holding the dress up. "Like the leaves in spring after a fresh rain shower."

Suzy ran a hand over the soft fabric, the rich green shimmering in the lamplight. "It does, doesn’t it?" she agreed. "Madame Helena is truly amazing."

Doris helped her into the dress, the emerald clinging beautifully to her curves. Then, she began to work on Suzy’s hair. "A sleek low bun, perhaps?" Doris suggested, expertly brushing out Suzy’s curls.

"Perfect!" Suzy said, watching her reflection in the mirror. "Something elegant and sophisticated, but not too severe."

Doris’s nimble fingers twisted and turned the locks, creating a smooth, polished bun that showcased Suzy’s cheekbones and slender neck, highlighting her freckles and her little dimples as she smiles at her reflection. With a flourish, Doris added a black velvet bow at the back, its color complementing the emerald green dress.

"Now for some accessories," Doris said, picking up a tray laden with sparkling jewels. "Diamonds, of course, to complement the Emerald dress."

Suzy watched with anticipation as Doris selected a pair of elegant diamond earrings and a matching necklace, the stones catching the light with a brilliance that rivaled the stars.

Finally, Doris slipped on a pair of elbow-length black gloves, perfectly matching the black detailing on the dress. "There you have it, Milady," she declared, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "You look absolutely ravishing."

Suzy stood up, turning slowly in front of the mirror. The emerald green dress cascaded down her figure, the elegant neckline highlighting her collarbones. The low bun accentuated her regal features, and the diamonds sparkled like tiny stars against her emerald dress. She looked confident, poised, and every bit the lady she is.

"I feel incredible, Doris," Suzy said, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "Thank you. I wish you could come with me."

Doris beamed. "It’s my pleasure, Milady. But I can’t follow you, it’s simply isn’t done!"

Suzy felt a hint of sadness , she understood there are social caste and Doris is way below, bringing her will cause some stir.

Doris interrupts her thoughts, a genuine smile playing on her lips. " Don’t worry about me Milady, just enjoy your evening."

With her feathered fan, perfectly matching the emerald and black theme, tucked in her hand, Suzy met her reflection in the mirror.