A special thanks to Brenda_Hanson for the Golden Ticket. (^n^)
A week had passed since the shipment was to have been intercepted, and Marquis Reylson's grand manor was heavy with the tension of uncertainty. Barbara's thoughts were far from peaceful. She stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the serene landscape, while her mind churned with apprehension and frustration. Each tick of the grand clock on the wall seemed to echo through the silence, a relentless reminder of the time slipping away.
To her surprise, Kristie entered the room. Barbara thought she was going to tell her the good news, but the face Kristie showed told her otherwise.
Barbara's heart sank, but she stood there waiting.
Kristie's face was drawn, and her eyes carried a hint of annoyance. "Barbara, I've just received some news. The knights indeed intercepted the shipment."
