MIREA
The hours before the meal passed in a daze. I found myself unable to focus on anything, the words in front of me swimming and blurring, as Calisto’s voice echoed relentlessly in my head. I only snapped out of it when the maids helping me dress suddenly stopped moving.
“We’re finished, Your Highness,” one of them said, drawing a blink from me as I looked up at the vanity mirror.
They had laced me into a deep blue gown and pinned my hair into an elegant bun that made me look every bit the regal princess. I studied my reflection in silence. Despite the careful application of makeup, my face remained pale and drawn, the shadows beneath my eyes deepened by the light.
I wondered if anyone would notice or if anyone would care.
The thought left a sour taste in my mouth as I stood and di
