A chill enveloped Liliette, making her shiver. Her eyes widened as she surveyed the bustling courtyard. Once expansive enough to host a military parade, it was now alive with the activity of carriages and workers, creating a cacophony of noise.
Johanna, brimming with excitement as she inspected the items, marveled aloud, “Look at all this! Even the boxes look like they were crafted by artisans. Your father must truly cherish you, my lady.”
Liliette could only manage a bitter smile, her heart heavy as she took in the scene. This display far exceeded anything prepared for her previous two marriages, making her father’s desperation to uphold his status painfully evident. Amid the chaos, she spotted Tristan directing the workers and felt a jolt of unease. The comfort she once found in his presence had vanished after what had transpired between them. Gathering her resolve, she approached him, trying to mask her discomfort.
