Diane's POV
My back ached, and my legs trembled with exhaustion as I scrubbed the last section of the floor, releasing a deep sigh of relief.
It had been three days since I told Leo about my desire to train. Since then, I haven’t heard a word from him. He has left the hospital, disappearing once again from my sight while I remained here in this castle, trapped in this miserable life of torment and suffering.
It was 7 a.m.—still dim and quiet. The entire household was asleep, except for the night guards stationed at their posts like lifeless statues.
I’d been up since 5 a.m., cleaning the entire house. That was Mara’s rule: all chores had to be completed before the royal family awoke. They weren’t going to see me—my presence, she said, would ruin their day.
I was to stay in my room aft
