Aspen,
I knew I looked beautiful as I entered the hall, feeling the weight of numerous admiring gazes upon me. Men stared in awe, their eyes lingering on me. Ingrid, wearing a smile, approached me, and I returned her smile with equal warmth.
"Where were you?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of curiosity.
"In the forest, looking for herbs. I got a rash this morning, and I needed to soothe it," I replied smoothly, matching her smile.
"You should have gone to the clinic. You don't need to rely on herbs here," she chided gently, her tone affectionate.
"Thank you," I said, grateful for her seemingly caring demeanour. Internally, I could hardly wait to see her reaction when her plans unravelled.
"Gamma Luis asked that you serve his meal," Leeana informed me, her excitement barely co
