Nova’s POV
The morning after my humiliation passed like a slow, bitter storm. The gossip within the mansion had already spread, whispers that burned the moment I stepped into the hall. Every sneer, every pitying glance, made my spine stiffen.
But today marked something new… Mary, Aurora’s most trusted maid, would now serve me.
That alone gave me a sliver of satisfaction.
When the knock came on my door, I was seated beside my small wooden vanity, trimming the frayed edge of my sleeve — a reminder that even in the Luna’s palace, the lowest still looked worn.
“Enter,” I called, keeping my voice steady.
Mary stepped inside, bowing her head respectfully. She was older than me, with tired eyes that carried stories I didn’t dare guess yet. Her movements were polite, careful — the motions of
