Back in my room, I grab Lily by the shoulders and tell her with desperate whisper. "Lily, you have to tell me everything about him. My head is still so foggy from the fall... I can't remember the details of our engagement."
Lily looks surprised and asks , "about whom My Lady? I don't understand anything. "
I ask her, with a steady voice "about my fiancé. You know I can't quite remember him."
Lily quickly understands everything and starts sharing the secrets of the Kingdom. "Oh, My Lady! You mustn't worry. Your fiancé is from one of the Five Great Duke Houses, just like yours. His family holds as much power as your father! Your fathers have been best friends since they were boys."
As Lily brushed my hair, she explains the rules of their world. In this kingdom, noble girls are engaged at 10 years old. By 13, they are sent to a prestigious Academy to learn politics, magic, and society manners.
"You know him from your childhood," Lily continues with a small smile. "He has always been so sweet to you. He was the first one to send a physician when you fell! He visits you all the time. Everyone says you two are a perfect match."
I feel a weight lift off my chest. I start thinking, If he is kind and sweet, maybe he won't be as scary as my father or Orlando. If we were friends, maybe I can just be myself and he will think I'm just acting different because of my injury.
"So... we were close?" I ask, trying to sound casual.
"Very close, My Lady. You've always admired him," Lily giggles.
I look in the mirror and feel a spark of hope. If he already likes me, I don't have to be perfect. I can just be myself and pretend it's a new version of Elanore. This may be easier than I thought!
Lily leans in closer as she finished pinning my hair. "His name is Arthur, from the great House of Helios . He is 15 years old. You know how it is, My Lady—in public, he is the perfect young Duke, polite and serious. But when he is with you? Oh, he turns into such a spoiled child! He's always teasing you, playing pranks, and making sure you have everything you could ever need. He treats you like his favorite person in the world."
I feel my heart skip a beat. A "spoiled child" who teased her? That meant he wouldn't be looking for a stiff, perfect noblewoman; he would be looking for the girl he played with in the garden.
This is both good and bad, I realize. If he's playful, he may not notice my modern attitude. But if he knows me that well, he'll notice if I don't know our 'inside jokes.'
"He's arriving any minute," Lily whispers, handing me a lace fan. "He'll probably bring you those imported sweets you love. He always remembers your needs before you even speak them."
I stand up, my confidence growing. Arthur Helios, a boy who is serious to the world but a kind to me. I think I can handle him. I'll just treat him like a younger brother or a close friend from the office. I'm not just surviving anymore; I'm ready to meet my first real ally in this world.
Lily's hands move with a new kind of excitement. She isn't just following the Duke's orders anymore; she is dressing me for the one person who makes her smile.
"Come now, My Lady," Lily urges , "We must hurry! Lord Arthur will be arrived at any moment and you know how he gets when he has to wait for you."
I wisper, "Is he... is he really that impatient?"
"Only for you," Lily giggles, picking up a silver comb. "He's a very smart man, My Lady. He sees through everyone else's games, but with you, he is just... Arthur. He's been asking about your health every single day since your fall. He even sent a secret letter to the kitchens to make sure they were preparing your favorite soup!"
Lily begins to braid Sara's hair, weaving in small, delicate pearls that catches the morning light. She doesn't make the style stiff and uncomfortable like the ones the Duchess preferred. Instead, she keeps it soft and elegant, so I can look natural and glowing.
"There," Lily whispers, stepping back to look at her work. "You look beautiful. Not like a doll, but like a woman who is loved. Go to the garden, My Lady. Don't let your father's coldness ruin this. Lord Arthur is coming, and I think he will bring something special for you today."
I take a deep breath, looking at my reflection. For the first time since waking up in this world, I'm feeling better. Maybe because Elanore felt safe at his presence. I straighten my skirts, and head toward the garden to wait for the man who holds the key to Elanore's heart.
As I'm walking towards the garden, waiting for the arrival of Arthur Helios, I take a moment to look at Lily, who is busy smoothing out the last wrinkle in my dress.
In this harsh, cold palace, I think, everyone looks at me like I am a chess piece or a disappointment. My father sees a tool, my mother sees a failure, and my brother sees a target.
I watch how carefully Lily handles my hair, as if she is protecting something precious.
'She is the only one who actually sees me. She doesn't care about the Duke's schedule or the family's reputation. She just cares if I've eaten, if I've slept, and if my heart is okay. She isn't just a maid; she's the only friend I have in this entire world.'
Lily notices my staring and gives me a warm, encouraging smile. "Don't be nervous, My Lady. Just be yourself. Lord Arthur loves you for who you are, not for how well you follow the Duchess's rules."
I feel a surge of gratitude. In my modern office life, I was always just another employee, but here, Lily treats her with a loyalty that is deeper than any contract. Lily is the "Sunday" in my week of "Mondays."
"Thank you, Lily," I say, my voice a little thick with emotion. "For everything. For being the only one who doesn't look at me with cold eyes."
Lily's eyes softenes and she gives me a small, humble bow. "It is my honor, My Lady. Now go— don't be nervous."
As I sit beneath the ornate white gazebo, a beautiful spot in the garden surrounded by blooming jasmine and climbing roses, I start thinking, 'It's the perfect place for a private tea party, away from the prying eyes of her mother and Orlando. I'm still worried about everything. What will happen if he recognizes that I'm not the real Elanore? Should I tell him that I've lost my memories. No.. I should observe him first.'