N Y X
I turned away from her and walked toward the bathing chamber door, resting my palm against the cool wood for a moment.
Inside, I could hear movement. Water being drawn. A faint clink of metal. The mistress moving carefully, every sound subdued, restrained, as though she feared reminding me she existed.
Good.
Estel cleared her throat softly behind me.
“Miss?” she said, hesitant. “What do you think about this?”
I turned back toward her.
She stood a few steps away, holding up a gown of pale gold silk, the fabric catching the light in a way that made it gleam softly. It was elegant. Delicate. Designed to be admired rather than remembered.
I studied it for a moment.
Then I shook my head.
“Too bright,” I said simply. “Not really my style.”
Relief flickered across her face, quick
