Rian’s POV
I was sitting on the edge of the window bench, watching a pair of sparrows chase each other between the trees when I heard the soft knock.
“Come in,” I called, expecting one of the silent castle servants.
But it was Mira.
Her dark curls were pulled into a neat bun, and she wore a modest but well-fitted maid’s uniform, the royal crest stitched just above her heart.
“Mira?” I stood, surprised. “What are you—?”
She smiled wide, her eyes shimmering. “Don’t get all soft on me now,” she teased. “I’ve been reassigned.”
“Reassigned?”
“To you.”
The words didn’t register at first. I blinked, stunned.
“I’m your maid now,” she said gently, stepping further into the room. “Your personal one.”
I didn’t know what to say. Warmth rose to my throat, along with a pressure behind my eye
