The knock came just as Aliena finished braiding her hair.
It was soft, measured, too careful to belong to her stepsisters, who never bothered with politeness where she was concerned. She glanced toward the door, a faint unease stirring.
"Yes?" she called.
The door opened and a maid stepped inside, head bowed low. She wore the palace colors, dark and formal, her posture stiff with the kind of discipline reserved for royal summons.
"Lady Aliena," the maid said. "I bring a message from His Highness, the Crown Prince."
Aliena's fingers stilled mid-braid.
From Sebastian.
Her stomach tightened for reasons she refused to examine.
"He asks that you prepare to accompany him beyond the palace grounds this evening," the maid continued. "Into the forest."
Aliena blinked. "The… forest?"
"Yes, my lady."
There it was again, that faint, dangerous flutter in her chest.
"Did he say why?" Aliena asked.
