Lydia sat on the chair before the vanity in the room where she was staying. Her hair was still damp from her bath, soft strands clinging to her shoulders. Outside the window, the sun was setting over the capital, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. But none of that beauty touched her heart. Her chest felt heavy, and her hands, resting in her lap, trembled faintly.
Xenia stood behind her, brushing her hair with slow, careful strokes. But her hands shook so much that the brush snagged more than once. Lydia noticed it, and her reflection in the mirror caught Xenia's pale face. She spoke softly, her voice gentle but steady. "What is it, Xenia?"
Xenia hesitated, her lips pressed together before she finally whispered. "It's just that… I'm worried. I'm scared, Your Highness. Because of tomorrow."
