"They won't know what hit them," she says.
I give a nervous laugh, smoothing the front of my dress. "Are they ready for me?"
Catarina nods. "Yes. Just walk down the stairs. Sir will meet you there."
"Okay." The word comes out quieter than I intend.
Catarina takes the clutch bag from me, then pauses, her hand resting briefly on my arm. "You've got this. The Sir said don't be nervous," she whispers, then opens the door wide.
"He said that?" I ask, my voice laced with disbelief.
"Yes," Catarina confirms, her eyes shining. "He sent me here because he thought a familiar face would make you more comfortable."
My heart jolts, and I am in a daze for a moment. He thought of that?
Catarina urges me on with a gentle touch, and I suppress the rush of thoughts. I step out into the corridor, my heels clicking softly on the marble as I approach the grand staircase. The music swells faintly from below... something classical, sweeping, and full of ceremony.
