Ariana’s POV
“Dear, if you remain a statue on that bed, all this planning and discussion we’ve been having for the past few days will have been for nothing. Can you please move now and try to comprehend later?” Mother urged, her tone sharp yet weary.
I exhaled heavily, disappointment washing over me. Of all things, I had wanted to be a step or two ahead—but this nap had set me back two or three instead. How comical.
I shot off the bed just as Mother made her way to the door.
“Can I change first?” I asked, watching her through the slit.
“There’s no time for that, Ariana—and no need to,” Mother said, firm and definite.
I huffed, though I already had an outfit in mind. I decided to leave it hanging in the wardrobe—but my heart jumped the instant the word wardrobe crossed my mind.
That
