The day began with a strange tension from the early morning on. Thalia couldn’t say exactly what had changed, but everyone in the palace moved differently, spoke differently. In the corridors, instead of the usual chatter, she heard short, hurried instructions; the guards changed shifts more frequently, and the maids carried trays with nervous precision, as if preparing for some kind of examination. There was a barely graspable vibration in the air that made her stomach tighten.Late in the morning, the harem master appeared at her door and informed her that she would have a special assignment that day. He offered no explanation, only said, “prepare for the full moon.” Thalia looked at him in confusion, but did not dare ask questions. The harem master was always measured, yet now he seemed in a hurry — which was rare for him.In the bath, the water was already prepared. Two maids assisted her; usually they did their work in silence, but today they whispered nonstop to each other. Some
Last Updated : 2025-11-29 Read more