Lila’s POV
For the first time since returning to the palace, I didn’t wait to be summoned. I slipped into clean gown for dinner—a soft shade of green that matched the mossy tiles of the garden paths—and made my way through the hallways on my own.
It felt different now.
Servants still bowed, nobles still watched. But I walked with purpose, not hesitation. And when I arrived at the dining room, no one questioned why I was a couple minutes earlier than normal.
Catherine, Wren, and Tobi were already seated, a wide spread laid out before them, though it was the table itself that stole my attention. Piles of documents, hand-painted invitation samples, and guest lists covered nearly every surface not holding food. At the center sat a half-assembled centerpiece of silver leaves and pale blue r
