The carriage wheels clattered against the cobblestones as they made their way to Princess Vanessa's palace.
Ophelia's thoughts raced as she contemplated the reasons behind this unexpected turn of events.
She knew Vanessa well enough to suspect that there was more to this situation than met the eye.
Upon reaching the palace gates, they were halted by the guards. Ophelia leaned out of the carriage window, her voice authoritative. "I am here to see Princess Vanessa. It is a matter of utmost urgency."
The guards exchanged glances as they recognized Ophelia's identity but were hesitant to give way to her without the permission of their master.