A Desperate Escape
The carriage continued toward the capital, and an unsettling silence filled the air. The princess remained motionless, staring out the window, while the head maid contemplated ways to halt the carriage. Eventually, the carriage came to an abrupt stop, fulfilling the head maid's unspoken wish.
"What is this behavior? Is this how you drive?" the duchess exclaimed in anger.
"I apologize, duchess, but I believe something is wrong with the carriage wheel. Let me check," the driver said and descended to inspect the wheels.
"How much longer do you need? Hurry!" the duchess demanded.
"I'm working on it, duchess. It seems the wheel has broken in the middle," the driver reported.
"I don't think the carriage can proceed any further," he continued.
"Can't move forward? What do you mean? Do you not know where we are going? Must I remind you of the importance of reaching the capital on time?" the duchess shouted once more.