The morning sun had only just begun to rise, casting a soft golden hue across the palace grounds, when I woke up, far earlier than usual. The moment my eyes fluttered open, a rush of excitement coursed through me.
Today, I reminded myself, the prince is going to teach me magic.
I could not stop the giddy feeling bubbling in my chest as I quickly slipped out of my bed. The maids were already waiting for me, surprised but smiling as I greeted them with unusual enthusiasm.
"You are up early, your highness," one of them said, a warm lilt in her voice as she helped me into a light red gown embroidered with silver threads.
"I wanted to get ready as soon as possible," I replied, glancing at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes shimmered with excitement, my smile almost reaching my ears. "The prince is going to teach me magic today."
At that, one of the younger maids clapped her hands together happily. "Oh, how wonderful is that!" she exclaimed.
