Ingrid was grateful for the privacy of the closed carriage. She couldn't have born a public parade and scrutiny in an open carriage after what had happened on the ship. Her neck and shoulder were in excruciating pain, and it radiated down her spine, making any kind of movement with her head or shoulders impossible from the agony of it. At least as a princess, she had been trained to be able to sit straight and still for hours on end if need be at official functions, so she sat straight and still, trying not to wince when the carriage jostled over cobbled streets.<br/><br/>As the Czarina spoke to her, Ingrid couldn't help but feel that perhaps there was some hope for a family here after all. It was still too early to trust anyone - her father had warned her about forming friendships before she knew all of the politics of the court. Yet, something about the Czarina's warmth and beauty and easy air made her feel a little less alone.<br/><br/>"Indeed, it has been a day full of surprises, your majesty," she said quietly, smiling shyly. Her gaze flitted over to the unconscious girl on the seat, but she said nothing. Then as the Czarina suggested a warm bath, she nodded involuntarily in agreement and winced from the sharp stab of pain from her bruised muscles in her neck. "You are most kind, your majesty."<br/><br/>"I trust your journey went well?" asked the Czarina.<br/><br/>"Oh yes, your majesty," Ingrid replied. "We had very smooth sailing and good weather from Stockholm all the way here - a minor miracle, I think, given the usual weather of the seas this time of year."<br/><br/>As they spoke, the carriage wended its way through the streets and eventually through the gates of the palace.<br/><br/>Nikolai, riding in the carts behind the carriage, jumped out and went over to the carriage to hand the ladies out, helping the Czarina first, the Princess Ingrid, and finally picking up the unconscious girl in his arms.<br/><br/>"Where shall I put her, your majesty?" Nikolai asked Elizabeth, addressing in matters of housing guests as was the proper etiquette.