By the time we reached our home, the palace bustle had eased into its calmer evening rhythm. Servants passed quietly through the corridors, lanternlight washing everything in warm gold. The moment I stepped inside, Lila hurried over, bobbing her head.
"Your Highness, welcome back. I have prepared your change of attire."
I let her guide me toward my chambers. My dress still held the faint scent of Clarisse's estate—flowers, perfume, and petty disaster. Lila worked efficiently, unfastening, removing, replacing. Warm water. Soft towels. A fresh gown that framed my figure with proper dignity.
As she brushed my hair, Nero hummed in my mind.
[Host, you look like a queen pretending to be a princess. Excellent. Intimidation level: still high.]
Good.
When she finished, I stepped out of my chambers—and nearly walked right into Elias.
