Mara sat alone in her room, unmoving, as the palace breathed around her.Her chamber was elegant…too elegant, once, for a guest. Now it felt small. The walls seemed closer, the air heavier, as if the palace itself had decided where it stood and where she did not. Outside her door, footsteps passed more often than before. Voices rose and fell. Names were spoken with excitement.All of them led back to one person.The Luna.Mara listened, her head tilted slightly toward the door, her expression calm but tight around the mouth. A maid’s voice drifted through the corridor, unable to hide her excitement.“…four personal maids now,” the girl said breathlessly. “Assigned only to the Luna. No other duties.”Another voice chimed in, hushed but thrilled. “And their rooms—did you see them? Upgraded. Right beside her chambers.”Mara’s fingers curled slowly against the armrest.“Qualified time,” the first maid continued. “They’ll be with her all day. Meetings, walks, meals. It’s such an honor.”A
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