Soft golden rays slipped quietly into the room through the curtains, casting gentle light over everything they touched. I groaned and tugged the blanket over my head, curling deeper into the bed's comforting warmth. I didn't want to wake up—not just yet.
Then came the knock. Not loud, but careful.
"Lady Liora? Are you up?" Nirelle's voice rang through the door—soft, yet persistent. "My Lady...? May I come in?"
I didn't answer.
The door creaked open a little. Her head peeked in, eyes scanning the room until they landed on the pile of blankets that was me. She sighed.
Without another word, she stepped inside and walked to the window. With a swift flick, she drew back the light blue curtains, letting the sunlight flood the room.
"Lady Liora," she said gently, walking over to my bedside, "please, it's time to wake up."
I rolled away, burying my face deeper into the pillow. "Just five more minutes…" I murmured, my voice still sleepy and low.
She chuckled. "Alright. Just five minutes. I'll go prepare your breakfast."
I heard her footsteps as she left. Silence returned, and sleep tried to pull me back in again.
But only a few moments later, she returned with a tray and placed it beside my bed.
"My Lady," she said, standing over me with her hands on her hips, "you always say five minutes, but then you sleep for an hour more!"
I groaned softly, clinging to the bed like it was my last safe place on earth.
She let out a louder sigh. "Haaah… Do you even remember what day it is today?"
My eyes fluttered half open. "Hmmm…?"
Her voice brightened instantly. "You're going to the capital today. To meet the Emperor!"
My eyes snapped open.
"Oh no!" I bolted upright. "That's today?! We're leaving for the capital?!"
She nodded, clearly amused by my sudden panic. "Yes, My Lady. And we have so much to prepare."
"Then prepare the bath at once!"
"It's already ready," she said with a graceful bow. "I'll assist you."
—
After a warm lavender-scented bath, I returned to my room in a soft cotton-white robe. Nirelle had already set the breakfast tray down on the table.
But when I saw what was on it, I frowned.
"Soup… again?" I sighed. "Nirelle, I'm completely healed now. Why are you still giving me this watery thing every morning?"
She smiled sweetly. "I know you're better, My Lady, but you need something light and healthy to keep your energy up. Today is your first trip since waking from the coma."
I slumped into the chair with a dramatic sigh, picking up the spoon. "Fine… but this is the last time I'm eating this. Tomorrow, I want something different."
She laughed softly. "Of course, Lady Liora. I'll make something you actually enjoy tomorrow."
After I finished my breakfast, Nirelle was already fluttering around the room, laying out a dozen dresses across the bed like a rainbow of silks.
"What shall you wear for the meeting, My Lady?" she asked with excitement. "Something majestic? Regal? Dazzling?"
I opened my mouth to reply—but a knock came again.
"May I visit Lady Liora?" a familiar deep voice spoke from behind the door.
"Oh, it's Sir Bertram," I said, sitting straighter. "Come in."
The door opened, and Sir Bertram entered with his usual calm presence. Behind him, two younger maids followed, holding something carefully wrapped in silk and lace.
When they unfolded the fabric, I gasped.
It was a dress.
A light-blue shimmering gown, delicate gold embroidery dancing across it like sunlight on water. It sparkled as though it were woven from stars.
"Sir Bertram… what is all this?" I asked, wide-eyed.
He bowed. "This was sent for you, My Lady. From His Grace."
But I already knew. My father never chose anything himself. Not for me. Not in the past. Not in the future I had seen. He only gave the gold.
Bertram was the one who remembered what I liked.
He always did.
Even before the coma. Even in the future that once was.
I stared at the dress again. It was truly beautiful.
"I like it," I said honestly. "But… I won't wear it to the meeting with the Emperor."
Both Bertram and Nirelle blinked at me in confusion.
"I've already chosen something," I continued, voice steady. "Nirelle, bring me the cream-colored dress. The one with the soft gold embroidery on the cuffs and neckline."
Nirelle stared at me like I'd grown two heads. "That one?"
I nodded.
"But… My Lady, it's so simple—"
"I know." I smiled. "Also bring the thin gold neckpiece. And those small matching earrings."
Bertram stepped forward, voice tinged with concern. "My Lady… don't you think it's too plain for a royal audience? Especially with His Majesty?"
I met his gaze.
"Sir Bertram… when I was lying on the edge of death, and when I woke up from that coma... it felt like I was given a second chance. A new beginning."
He stood still, listening.
"I never lived for myself. Not even once. I wore what others chose. Spoke what was expected. Smiled when I had to. But that's no longer the life I want."
I smiled gently. "I want to make my own choices now. Even if it's something as small as a dress."
He was silent. Stunned. But I could tell—he understood.
"So I will," I said. "I'll live for myself."
Bertram bowed his head with a small, sincere smile. "As you wish, My Lady. I will have the carriage ready. You'll leave for the capital by afternoon."
"Yes," I nodded. "Thank you."
As he left, Nirelle helped me dress. I could tell she still wasn't entirely happy with my choice, but she said nothing. She quietly adjusted the sleeves, her hands soft and practiced.
I glanced at her reflection in the mirror. "Which earrings should I wear?"
She smiled. "I've already chosen them, Lady Liora."
Just then—another knock.
A soft voice from behind the door:
"May I enter?"
I tilted my head. That voice… wasn't Bertram's.
"Come in," I said.
But the door didn't move.
Nirelle stepped toward it cautiously. She placed her hand on the knob… and slowly turned it.
The door creaked open—
And I froze.
Because standing on the other side was something unexpected
---