The carriage rolled to a smooth halt in front of Valeria’s finest boutique, its golden crest shimmering under the hot, afternoon sun. A guard swiftly dismounted and approached the carriage, his polished black boots clicking against the cobblestone street. He extended a hand, bowing deeply as he reached for the door.
As he opened it, the entire street seemed to pause. Conversations quieted, footsteps faltered as all eyes turned towards the carriage which had just stopped. Everyone recognized who that particular carriage belonged to. It was no news. Heads turned as whispers rippled through the crowd like a stone thrown into a still pond.
“Lady Daphne is here!”
someone murmured.
“Look, everyone! It’s Lady Daphne!” another gasped, pointing discreetly.
“What is she doing here?” another asked.
“I bet that poor shopkeeper is in trouble,” another scoffed.