Thirty minutes later, in the Imperial Palace of the capital, Lyra returned to her old maid quarters and sat down by the bed, her blue eyes gently fluttering as she gazed at the evening gown Elise had prepared for her.
She had learned a bit about noble social etiquette while accompanying Astrid, but never expected to personally participate so soon.
Recalling her last attendance, it was at the third imperial princess coming-of-age ball, invited by Lina. That night marked the official start of her acquaintance with Astrid.
A naive village girl and a noble imperial princess, two individuals who should have had nothing in common, were connected by an invisible force. One could hardly call it anything other than fate's choice.
Meanwhile, in the bedroom next door, Astrid sat on a soft stool in the walk-in closet, holding Amalia in her arms as she gently brushed the girl's hair. Her fingers moved deftly, tying a slender red ribbon into an elegant bow among the dark locks.
