Chapter 139: Chapter Hundred And Thirty Nine

"I’m sorry, Lady Cassandra," a voice whispered, a pang of guilt in every syllable

A chilling sensation washed over Suzy as she struggled to stay afloat. The cold, murky water enveloped her, threatening to drag her down into the depths. She gasped for air, her lungs burning with each desperate breath. A faint voice echoed from above, a mournful cry that seemed to pierce through the darkness.

"I’m so sorry, Lady Cassandra,please forgive me." The voice whispered again, a testament to the harsh reality of her predicament.

Suzy strained her neck to look up, her vision blurred by the water. A figure stood at the edge of the well. As she focused, she could have sworn she saw tears streaming down the figure’s face.

Desperation fueled her every movement. She kicked her legs, trying to gain momentum. Her fingers clawed at the slick stone walls, seeking any way out, any hope.

She continued, her fingers clawing at the air. A desperate cry escaped her lips, a plea for help that seemed to echo through the silent night. The moon, a cold and distant orb, illuminated the darkness, casting eerie shadows on the water’s surface.

Suddenly, a voice, familiar and comforting, broke through the chaos. "Milady!" Suzy’s consciousness began to blur. She could feel herself slipping away, the cold water seeping into her bones.

"Did I just die? Or rather did Cassandra just die? Was this how she died? Is this the end?" Suzy, in her subconsciousness asked herself.

"Milady, Milady, Milady!" The voice grew louder, more insistent, pulling her back from the brink of despair.

With a jolt, Suzy’s eyes snapped open.

She sat upright in bed, her heart pounding in her chest. The cold sweat clung to her skin, her nightwear soaked, a reminder of the terrifying dream. Doris stood beside her, her face etched with worry.

"Milady, are you alright?" Doris asked, her voice gentle.

Suzy took a deep breath, her mind still reeling from the nightmare. "I...I don’t know," she stammered.

Doris helped Suzy sit up, her touch gentle and reassuring. "You were having a terrible nightmare," she explained. "You were thrashing about, mumbling something about a well and a drowning."

Suzy’s heart pounded faster. The dream felt so real, so vivid. She could still feel the icy water, the suffocating darkness, the haunting voice.

"It was just a dream, Milady," Doris said, trying to soothe her. "You’re safe now. Maybe you just miss your home."

Suzy nodded slowly, her mind still racing. She tried to shake off the lingering fear, but it clung to her like a shadow. She closed her eyes, taking deep, calming breaths.

"Can you tell me more about the dream, Milady?" Doris asked softly. "Perhaps it will help you understand it better."

Suzy hesitated. Should she share the terrifying details of her nightmare? She decided to confide in Doris, hoping that sharing her fears would alleviate them.

"I was drowning in a well," she began, her voice barely a whisper. "And I saw someone...someone who looked like a young lady, but I couldn’t see her face. It was so blurry I couldn’t recognize her. She was crying, and she said she was sorry."

Doris listened intently, her face a mask of concern. "That’s a terrible dream, Milady. But it’s just a dream. It doesn’t mean anything."

Suzy nodded, but she wasn’t convinced. The dream felt too real, too personal. She had a feeling that it was trying to tell her something, something important.

"I need to be alone," she said, her voice firm. "I need to think."

Doris understood. She nodded and quietly left the room, leaving Suzy alone with her thoughts. As she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she’s is in grave danger.

———————

"Milady, Milady, please wake up! You need to get ready, or you’ll be late!" Doris’s panicked voice pierced through Suzy’s slumber.

Suzy’s eyelids fluttered open, her vision blurry. "What is it?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

"I left you alone for a moment, and now we’re going to be late! His Grace will surely have my head!" Doris exclaimed, her voice filled with anxiety.

Suzy’s mind slowly began to clear. "Get me ready for what?" she asked, her voice still groggy.

"The annual hunt, Milady!" Doris replied, her voice rising in pitch.

As soon as the words ’annual hunt’ registered in Suzy’s mind, she bolted upright, her heart pounding. She glanced at the window, the soft morning light streaming through the curtains. Panic set in. "Why didn’t you wake me sooner?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

Doris hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I...I thought you...you wanted to sle.... You said you wanted to...to be alone , Milady," she stammered.

Suzy didn’t have time for explanations. "Is my bath ready?" she asked, her voice urgent.

"Yes, Milady," Doris replied, relieved that Suzy was finally alert.

Without another word, Suzy leaped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, eager to start her preparations. She quickly undressed and stepped into the warm water, letting the soothing sensation wash away her worries. As she bathed, her mind raced. She had to hurry. She couldn’t afford to be late or make others for the hunt.

After her bath, Suzy quickly dried herself and Doris started dressing her.

First, she donned Suzy in a fine linen chemise, its soft fabric caressing Suzy’s delicate skin. Over this, she fitted a pair of sturdy drawers, ensuring modesty and comfort.

"This may feel a bit tight, Milady," Doris explained as she laced Suzy into a corset, "but it will give you a lovely shape."

Suzy winced, her face contorted in mild discomfort. "I still don’t understand why we have to go through all this trouble, Doris," she muttered.

Doris smiled, pulling the lace taut to cinch Suzy’s waist. She winced slightly, but remained silent.

" You have to dress accordingly, Milady. All the nobles will be attending and this is the way a duchess and a noble woman is meant to appear in public." Doris replied to her question.

With deft fingers, Doris secured the corset, adjusting the laces to ensure a perfect fit.

"Now for the hair," Doris announced, picking up a comb and a ribbon. She carefully brushed Suzy’s long, curly hair, then began to twist it into a low bun. A few stray tendrils escaped the bun, framing Suzy’s face. Doris secured the bun with a delicate bow, smoothing the loose hairs.

"Next, the stockings," she said, pulling on a pair of knee-high stockings. She attached a garter to hold the stockings in place, then slipped on a pair of low-heeled shoes.

With the undergarments and footwear in place, Doris turned her attention to the outer garments. She began by slipping a hoop skirt over Suzy, the circular frame expanding to support the skirt. Over the hoop, she carefully draped an elegant overskirt, its fabric pooling gracefully on the floor. Finally, she fastened a fitted bodice over the corset, accentuating Suzy’s slender waist and full bosom thereby completing the ensemble.

Suzy sighed, shifting uncomfortably. "I still don’t like all this stress though what if I wanted to pee?," she muttered.

Doris laughed. "There will be an arrangement for that. And besides, you look quite lovely, Milady."

Suzy rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "I suppose you’re right."

Doris gave a final touch to Suzy’s hair, adjusting the bow and wearing her a matching hat. "There, perfect. Now, let us go downstairs. I’m sure his grace is waiting for you."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read