Jannelle
"I can't accept this." I stare at the dress spread across my narrow cot, my hands trembling where they hover over the beautiful fabric. "It's too much, my lord."
Lord Darius stands in my doorway, his smile warm and patient. "Nonsense. A lady should have beautiful things, and you are a lady, Janelle. Station doesn't change that."
The dress is the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen, deep blue silk the color of midnight skies, with delicate silver embroidery along the bodice and sleeves. The fabric catches the candlelight like captured starlight, and I can't even begin to imagine what something like this must have cost.
"My lord, I'm just a servant. I can't wear something like this."
"You can and you will." His voice is gentle but firm. "Tonight, when we dine together, I want to see you as you truly are, not hidden behind rough wool and forced humility."
"But the other servants, they'll think.."
