The world outside the Blackwood's castle had been scrubbed clean by the night's ferocious storm. The morning sun, now bright and unopposed, glinted off countless puddles in the courtyard, turning the gravel paths into rivers of sparkling light. The air smelled of damp earth and rain-washed roses. It was a beautiful, peaceful morning that felt like a cruel mockery of the turmoil in Suzy's heart.
She stood by a window overlooking the main courtyard, a shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders despite the morning's growing warmth. She had been there standing by the window for the better part of an hour, her gaze fixed on the main gate, anticipating the sight of Ryan's carriage, her heart a tangled knot of hope and dread. But the courtyard remained stubbornly empty.
"Your Grace, it's morning," a gentle voice said from behind her. It was Mrs. Madelyn. "The rain has stopped, and the sun is up. Your bath is drawn and waiting. Come now."