Ivana's POV
The next morning, I woke up with a strange sense of clarity — like something had shifted overnight. I lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of yesterday still lingering in my chest. But then something inside me hardened.
No, I thought. I'm not going to spend the whole day locked up like a coward.
If Darius's parents were coming, so what? They could judge me all they wanted, whisper their insults behind my back, or stare down their noses at me like I wasn't worthy. It didn't matter. I wasn't about to make myself invisible for them.
I pushed off the covers and slowly climbed out of bed. My body still ached — dull, stubborn pain that pulsed with every step — but I ignored it. I wouldn't let that stop me either.
I went straight to my wardrobe, rummaging through the dresses until I found one that felt... right. Rich burgundy silk, embroidered with delicate gold thread. The fabric hugged my waist, flowing down my legs like water. I fastened a thin golden belt around my waist and pulled my hair into a loose but graceful bun, letting a few strands frame my face.
I didn't dress like this to impress Darius's parents — no, this was for me. A reminder that no matter how powerless they tried to make me feel, I was still somebody. Still strong. Still standing.
By the time I stepped out of the room, Darius was already gone.
Oh well... I thought bitterly. No snide remarks from him this morning — I'd take that as a blessing.
But as I walked down the hall, I realized something felt... off. The air seemed thicker, the castle somehow louder than usual.
The maids were everywhere — rushing in and out of rooms, whispering urgently to one another as they carried trays, dusted shelves, and adjusted curtains. Some were polishing the silverware, others arranging flowers. I even spotted one girl scrubbing the marble floor so hard her knuckles were practically red.
I paused near the staircase, watching the chaos unfold. It wasn't just busy — it was frantic.
All this... just for Darius's parents? I thought, frowning. I knew their visit was important, but this? This felt like overkill.
One maid brushed past me so quickly she nearly knocked me over.
"Hey!" I called, grabbing her arm before she could scurry away.
She froze, eyes wide, like I'd just threatened her life. "Y-Yes, my lady?"
"What's all this fuss about?" I asked, gesturing to the chaos around us. "They're acting like the King and Queen are coming."
The maid swallowed hard. "They are," she said softly.
I blinked. "Wait... what?"
"The King and Queen," she repeated, glancing nervously over her shoulder. "His Majesty and Her Grace — they're coming home early. They're arriving in less than two hours."
My stomach twisted. Darius's parents weren't just some wealthy nobles — they were the rulers of this kingdom. The people who held power over everything — including this marriage.
The maid slipped out of my grip and hurried away before I could say another word.
I stood there for a moment, watching the frantic movement around me. The air smelled faintly of roasted meat and fresh bread — the castle's desperate attempt to impress.
Stay calm, I told myself. You've faced worse than this.
I straightened my shoulders, adjusted my dress, and forced my feet to move forward. Whatever the day had in store... I wouldn't face it hiding in my room like some frightened little girl.
I'd face
it head-on — as the Queen I was supposed to be.