Someone kept knocking persistently on the door, but opening my eyes felt impossible—as if we had fallen asleep only moments ago. A strange crash came from behind the door, and then it burst open with a loud bang.
“Wake up, lovebirds!” Maura shouted from the doorway. “The dressmaker has arrived with the gowns, and they’re sleeping!”
I barely managed to open one eye. Kirill didn’t even stir. With great effort, I forced myself to sit up and look at our morning guest.
Maura clearly had no intention of retreating. She stood opposite the bed, drilling us with a displeased stare.
“You ran around the forest all night and now can’t get up for a scheduled fitting. Vera, at least you get dressed—we definitely can’t do this without you.”
“Fine. Give me ten minutes.”
“Alright. I’ll be waiting in
