The final dinner ended long after sunset.
The guests slowly retired to their rooms, while the servants remained behind to clean the grand hall. Empty goblets, crumpled napkins, and scattered flower petals covered the tables.
My body ached.
Every step reminded me how little I had rested over the past few days.
Still, I kept working.
The sooner everything was finished, the sooner I could return to my little attic room.
“Elara.”
I turned to find Willow carrying two buckets.
“You’ve done enough. I’ll finish the ballroom.”
“You’ve already helped me too much.”
She smiled.
“That’s what friends do.”
I hugged her quickly before taking one of the buckets.
“I don’t deserve you.”
She laughed softly.
“You keep saying that.”
“Because it’s true.”
She gently squeezed my shoulder.
“One da
