"My lady, wake up…"
Sunlight filtered through the glass window as a woman with soft brown hair and expressive black eyes stood beside my bed, her maid's uniform neat and familiar.
I opened my eyes slowly, the morning light falling across the room.
"Lady Calista, wake up. Today is the most important day of your life," she said, her voice bright with excitement.
I looked at her without expression. "I know," I replied, the words lacking any enthusiasm.
She hesitated. "My lady… you don't want to go there, do you?"
"Whether I want to or not doesn't matter," I said quietly, a faint sadness slipping into my voice.
Her face fell.
"Daisy," I said, offering a small smile, "it's alright." The words were meant to reassure her, even if they felt empty to me.
She smiled back, though her eyes remained worried.
"Come," I added, rising from the bed. "Assist me in the washroom."
It was easier to move forward than to linger in silence.
I stepped out of the washroom, and the other maids were waiting with piles of clothes.
"Look, my lady! Your mother specifically chose every color and design," Daisy said, joy lighting up her face.
I glanced at the beautiful, expensive gowns. Words formed in my mouth without permission—they wanted me to…
"What, my lady?" Daisy asked, innocence written across her face.
"Nothing," I said, a faint smirk touching my lips.
I scanned each gown, but my eyes stopped at a pink one. The low neckline revealed the shoulders, and the floor-length silk shimmered in the sunlight. Rare gemstones were carefully sewn into the fabric, sparkling like tiny stars.
"Lady Calista, look at this red gown! It will go beautifully with your crimson hair," Daisy said, her excitement impossible to hide.
I looked at the red gown… and then back at the pink one. "I want to wear the pink gown," I said clearly, my voice steady.
"But—" Daisy hesitated. Her eyes pleaded. "Among all the bright, bold colors everyone will wear, you'll be like a shadow under a tree at noon."
"No… Daisy," I said, calm and certain.
Her face fell slightly, but she knew me better than anyone. She nodded silently.
I was almost ready when a maid knocked at the door.
"My lady, Lady Thalorien is calling for you—if you are ready," she said.
"I'm almost ready," I replied, expressionless.
"Okay, my lady," she said, bowing before leaving.
"Wow… you look amazing, Lady Calista," Daisy whispered, eyes wide with obvious delight. "I didn't think this would go with your crimson hair, but it… it suits you perfectly. And the diamond necklace—it makes you even more beautiful."
I glanced at the mirror. For a moment, something flashed in my mind, and then everything went blank.