Blue Blooded - [Mick Schumacher]

Fourteen

Lucia was awoken by his soft voice when they arrived in Zürich. "Lucia..." Her neck felt cramped from the way she had been leaning her head on Mick's shoulder and she whined, stretching her limbs uncomfortably. "We're in Zürich now," Mick continued. "We will reach the castle of Zürich soon," he informed her. "Alright," Lucia yawned. "Do they have something to eat there?" she asked, rubbing her tired eyes. "I assume they do," Mick chuckled, moving some hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear. "Amazing," Lucia hummed, rolling her shoulder blades before sitting back against the wooden carriage. She had to admit, sitting against Mick's chest on Elias' back had been more comfortable than this. Nevertheless, she didn't complain and wrapped her hands around the edge of the blanket that had been keeping her warm during the past couple hours. She looked down at the pattern on the soft material, remembering that they had been soaked by the rain after just leaving Lausanne.

A smile curled Lucia's lips. She had felt frozen by the wind and the rain, but the spontaneous moment with Mick would form a memory she would never forget. "Penny for your thoughts?" Mick asked as he looked down at her, seeing the sheepish smile on her face. "Kissing in the rain," she replied, her cheeks burning up slightly, however, her eyes sparkled and he could notice that the moment had made her happy, so he could only feel the same way. "It has something, doesn't it?" Mick hummed, his hand lifting so his knuckles could caress her face. She nodded silently in agreement, her eyes briefly fluttering close as he pressed a single, tender peck to her lips. The carriage swayed softly, but the road beneath the wheels and the hooves of the horses was firm, she could sense as the ride wasn't bumpy like on the mountain paths. She looked out of the windows and she could see more houses nearing, more buildings rising above the ground and changing the scenery from nature to city.

"Zürich was founded by the Romans," Mick started, which drew her attention back to him. "They called it Turicum," Mick continued. "Just 200 years ago, Zürich gained the status of imperial immediacy and became the Kingdom that formed the primary centre of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. They speak a dialect here, the Zürich German dialect," Mick told her. "How do you know all this?" Lucia asked, smiling at the facts and information he told her. "I like to read," he shrugged shyly. "My dad has told me a lot too, he knows so much about the kingdoms of the Swiss empire," Mick added. "Reading makes you an academic," Lucia said and it made him chuckle. "And a King, apparently," Mick said. "A handsome one," she hummed, making him smile wider as he leaned towards her to kiss her again. The rest of the ride took about an hour and the carriage made its way upon the hill, where the castle was located. The doors of the carriage were opened for her and she stepped down to the floor, looking up at the picturesque scenery of the castle.

"King and Queen," a servant bowed for them. "The Duke and Duchess of Zürich are delighted to welcome you to Zürich. Allow us to take your luggage and take care of the horses," the servant continued. "Of course," Mick replied, his hand moving from Lucia's shoulder blades to the small of her back. "Let me guide you to the castle," the servant offered and Mick and Lucia followed. They stepped over the bridge that was lowered and they walked over the stone path, where the Duke and Duchess were already waiting. "Our king and queen," they bowed and Mick shook hands with them, the women exchanging cheek kisses. "It's an honor to be able to welcome you to Zürich. We hope your travel here has been fortunate," the duchess spoke up. "We have spend a lot of hours on the road," Mick told them. "But we were able to rest in the carriage," he added, to which Lucia nodded. "Amazing," the duchess replied.

"We would like to show you around the castle and show you our vineyards after you rested a little bit," the duke spoke up while they walked over the courtyard. "Your luggage will be taken to the guest room that is prepared for your stay," he added. Lucia hummed contently, folding her hands together in front of her body while they walked further and into the castle. Lucia didn't complain about their poor night accommodation at Jean's and Marie's, because they were warm and dry during the night, which was all that mattered, but she had to admit that a soft bed and warm sheets sounded very comfortable too. The castle was beautiful and Lucia liked the tour through the castle and the artworks that were showcased in the castle. Beautiful statues aligned the courtyard and a colorful, flowery garden decorated the empty space. Mick spoke to the duke of Zürich while one of the maids spoke to Lucia, fascinated by her and the crown she was wearing, explaining her all sorts of things about the garden.