The rhythmic clatter of hooves against cobblestone provided the only soundtrack to the tense journey. Suzy, ensconced in a plush corner of the carriage, seemed oblivious to the awkward silence that stretched between them. She had buried herself in her book once more, her brow furrowed in concentration as she devoured the pages.
A rumble from her stomach, a most ungentle reminder of hunger, broke the quiet. She reached into the wicker basket beside her, a gift from the Queen filled with an assortment of sweet pastries and savory snacks. As she munched on a delicate cream puff, a contented sigh escaped her lips.
"This is simply divine," she murmured thoughtfully, turning a page with a flourish. "Elias really knows how to scout a good book. I'll have to thank him when I get back."
