Late Arrival

The next morning, Vanya woke up feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. She got dressed and went downstairs to the common room, where the others were already waiting.

"Good morning," Theresa said, smiling. "Did you sleep well?"

Vanya nodded, taking a seat at the table. "Yes, thank you. The bed was comfortable."

After breakfast, they paid their bill and headed back to the carriage. Mr. Dean and Joseph were already waiting, and they set off soon after.

As they rode, the conversation turned to their plans for the day. "We'll be arriving in the main city soon," Theresa said. "I'm excited to see the sights and sounds of the city, once again ."

Vanya nodded, her eyes shining with excitement. "Me too. I've heard so much about the city, you never spoke about your time in the city Theresa."

I would but it's nothing much, just a place we stayed I and your mother… while growing up.

Mmm was only Vanya's response.

Just as they were chatting, they came across a caravan that had collided with another carriage. The occupants of the carriage were shaken, and one of them was injured.

Vanya's instincts kicked in, and she insisted on helping. "We have to do something," she said, her voice firm. "That family needs our assistance."

Theresa looked at her uncertainly. "Vanya, dear, perhaps we should just continue on our way. We can't get involved in this."

But Vanya was determined. As the lady of the house, they need they had to follow her demand even if she's under Theresa guidance she's still the lady, "it's our duty to help those in need," she said, her voice authoritative. "Joseph, can you lend them our spare wheel? We'll purchase another one in the main city."

Joseph nodded, and they quickly set to work helping the injured family. The family was incredibly grateful, and they thanked Vanya and her party profusely.

As they watched the family drive away, Vanya felt a sense of satisfaction. "That was the right thing to do," she said, smiling.

Theresa nodded, her expression proud. "You're a true lady, Vanya. You always think of others before yourself."

"Who knows what danger they would have being in or if it was a set up to be robbed by the poor family" said Mr Dean you are indeed kind my lady Joseph continued.

Vanya smiled, feeling a sense of pride. She knew that she had done the right thing, and she was glad that she had been able to help.

As they arrived at the main city, Vanya's eyes widened in amazement at the different way of dressing and style that surrounded her. The people were dressed in fine silks and velvets, and the buildings were grand and ornate. The city was quiet and beautiful, with a sense of wealth and prosperity that was palpable.

"It's so different from our town," Vanya said, her voice filled with wonder. "I've never seen anything like it."

Theresa smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yes, the main city is known for its beauty and wealth. It's a place of culture and refinement."

As they made their way through the city, they stopped for a short break to feed their horses and take in some of the sights. They had a 15-minute break, and Vanya took the opportunity to stretch her legs and look around.

The city was bustling with activity, despite the quiet demeanor of its inhabitants. People were going about their daily business, and the sound of merchants calling out their wares filled the air.

After their short break, they embarked on their journey once again, it was slowly getting late, finally making their way to the White Dragon alley, this was the royal estate. The ride along this stretch to castle was long and tiring, but Vanya was fascinated by the sights and sounds of the city.

As they rode, the buildings became grander and more ornate, and the streets became wider and more impressive, you could see luxurious trees that swept the streets, the street lamps shown brightly making the carriage lights almost unnecessary . They passed through the White Dragon alley, which was lined with tall security camps and bustling with guards activity as they were stopped for a thousandth time to show their pass and security checks .

Finally, after what seemed like hours of riding, they arrived at the castle grounds. The castle was imposing and grand, with towers and turrets that seemed to stretch up to the sky.

Vanya's eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight of the castle. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Theresa smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yes, the Royal city is a place of great beauty and history. We're lucky to be able to visit." They all gazed through tge curtains with awe

As they rode up to the castle gates, Vanya felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had never been to a place like this before, and she wasn't sure what to expect.

The guards at the gate nodded to them as stopped to show their pass and invitation card abd segil, and Vanya felt a sense of pride and privilege. She would be in the midst with members of the royal family, and she was being treated as such.

As they rode through the castle grounds, Vanya took in the sights and sounds of the place. There were people everywhere also arriving , all going about their business. She saw nobles and servants, all dressed in their finest attire.

Finally, they arrived at their destination, and Vanya felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was tired from the long ride, but she was also excited to be here.

They were welcomed, a made courteous without looking at any of their faces they followed the lady to a hall. The lady spoke without raising her face above face level she maintained chest level eye sight.

"These are the designated rooms, this hallway is assigned to each family, they are about three hundred and sixty rooms in the building, this is called The black house, with two main wings the east and the south, each hall - way of each wings are designated to different family as guests of the royal household, please settle in, she said and continued, do you have any questions?"

They shook their heads like kids still surrounded by awe.

"If you need anything each rooms has bells you can ring and you'd be sorted out" she said.

They all nodded as they followed her to look inside the large rooms

"Would you need your meals serve or would you go down to the common hall?" The young maid introduced as Bella continue

Theresa spoke please we'd like to be serve.

Enjoy your stay tge lady bowed and left, abd paddy was in awe in such coordination she wished she could see her cousin but the tge royal castle is as wide a tringonite field.

"Let's get settled," Theresa said, smiling. "We have a lot to do in the next few days."

Vanya nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, and she was excited to see what the future held.

Soon their meals came in as they waited to explore the next day, her thought crept in to the weird visitor would they encounter him?