Selena
By midday my room no longer felt like a place meant for rest, because every surface had been taken over by papers, ink, and careful notes, and I sat at the desk by the window with sunlight falling across the pages as if even the light wanted to inspect my work.
I had divided everything into sections so that I would not feel overwhelmed, writing down guest names, seating arrangements, ritual order, food preparation, decorations, and the names of servants who would be responsible for each task, because I understood very clearly that one small mistake could turn into gossip that would follow me for years.
When I rang for my maid, I already had three questions prepared in my mind, and when she entered and bowed, I asked her to sit with me because I needed more than quick answers. I
