VIOLETA
After the party that night, Violeta picked up the empty cups from the floor, placing them gently on the tray she was carrying. The ballroom was much quieter now. The music had stopped. Most of the guests had already left, and the maids were walking around, trying to tidy things up.
Violeta wiped sweat off her forehead and looked around. “There’s still so much to clean,” she whispered to herself.
One of the older maids looked at her with tired eyes. “You should go and rest, miss. We can handle it.”
But Violeta shook her head. “No, I want to help.”
The maid gave her a small smile before going back to folding napkins.
Earlier, Princess Thania had frowned when Violeta told her she wanted to stay behind and help clean up. “You’re not a maid, Violeta,” she had said, her voice sounding annoyed. “You’re supposed to enjoy the party, not clean up after it.”
But Violeta had smiled and replied, “I know, but I don’t feel right just walking away. I want to help. Please?”
Princess Thania had
