Sweet Reward

Constance handed Gwen a fresh and fragrant cookie, and Gwen carefully accepted the warm treat. She had quite the sweet tooth unlike the rest of her family and preferred to have little sweet treats over savory dishes any day.

Gwen grinned in satisfaction at the fact that she helped Constance create something out of nothing, and she could see the result immediately with the reward right in her hand.

Gwen took a small bite before the flavors burst into her mouth, immediately nodding her head in shock. The flavors worked well together and weren't as overpowering as she thought. A cup of tea would go lovely with the lavender espresso cookie in the morning for breakfast.

"It is delicious," Gwen said while covering her mouth with her hand, and chewing. "The coffee notes are light but very potent. The lavender is a nice floral touch to the espresso."

"Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed the cookies, Your Grace," Constance beamed. "I'll bag some for your trip."

"I much appreciate that."

Constance took small frosted tip bags from a cupboard and bagged a few cookies as well as other bakery goods. She placed the bags into a woven basket with a pink ribbon tied on the handle and gave it to Gwen.

Gwen was about to take it before Constance lifted the basket out of her hands. Gwen glanced up quizzically while Constance grinned before setting it on the counter.

"I'll hand it to you in when you are about to leave," Constance said. "We can't have you staying up any later."

Gwen laughed. "I am not going to eat all of the cookies by myself."

"Still, I would hate to tempt you."

Gwen took another bite of the cookie and hummed when the exquisite flavors mixed in her mouth.

"You should retire, Your Grace. I will see you in the morning."

Gwen smiled, not wanting to bother her any longer. "Alright. Have a good night. Please excuse me as I retire."

Constance waved her off with a grin, and Gwen walked out of the kitchen to shoo the rest of the knights that were still lounging around despite it being extremely early hours of the morning.

They saluted her before going to their rooms on the bottom level comically, and Gwen shook her head in silent laughter. She was getting used the familiarity of everyone. Gwen discreetly covered her yawn and went up the stairs to her room.

It was bright outside with blue skies and the sunshine teasing through the clouds when Avery and Laura knocked on her door, telling her to get up and get ready. Gwen shifted in the bed and blearily eyed the clock on the wall that told her it was nine in the morning.

Nine! She had gotten a full eight hours of sleep, and Gwen pulled herself up to sit in the bed while running a hand through her hair. She was exhausted despite getting more than enough sleep, and she lifted her arms above her head to stretch.

The pounding on the door wouldn't cease, and Gwen rolled out of bed to pull open the door for her ladies. Avery was carrying a bucket of fresh hot water, and she moved into the bathroom to dump it into the sink for Gwen to wash her face.

Gwen walked into the bathroom to wash up, and they helped her get dressed into a frilled coral-colored piece that matched well with her skin tone. They were busy bustling around her, and Gwen didn't have the energy to ask why they didn't leave earlier than planned.

Laura tightened the bow in the back, and Gwen tapped on her arm, trying to breathe. Laura laughed, as she loosened the waist strap. Gwen wanted to sit comfortably in the carriage, not suffocate.

Avery brushed her hair and with the soft strokes making Gwen was falling asleep, but then suddenly Avery pulled on her cheek. Gwen squeaked and patted her cheek casting a look over her shoulder.

"You can fall asleep in the carriage," Avery said.

"You are so mean," Gwen pouted.

"Hurry, hurry. We are late. They are all waiting outside."

Gwen stood and cocked her head to the side. "Why didn't you two wake me up earlier?"

"Cassian thought you needed it," Laura answered.

"No," Gwen sighed. "I want to get to the Latimer estate by this evening."

"Cassian said that we will be able to make it tomorrow morning since the weather is good today."

Gwen's face brightened. "Really?"

The end of the trip was near, and Gwen was ready to settle down in one spot after the rough days of travel.

She was glad that she got to see a glimpse of new scenery, but one little taste after another would surely be needed so that she wouldn't get sick of the adrenaline. She didn't know what her life would be like now that she was married, but she was grateful that everyone had treated her so kindly.

"Yes," Avery replied. "Now get moving if you want to arrive by next morn."

Gwen laughed. "Yes, sir!"