KristaI stared at my reflection, willing the hollow look in my eyes to fade, forcing my lips to curve into a passable smile. But the result looked as tired and insincere as I felt inside. Tonight, of all nights, I couldn't afford to let my emotions slip through the cracks. Tonight was about duty, about tradition—and no matter how my stomach churned with anxiety, I had to perform.I splashed my face with cool water, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. "Krista," I whispered to myself, bracing my hands on the edge of the sink. "You’ve been through worse. You can handle this." Opening my eyes, I tried smiling again, and though it wasn’t perfect, it was enough. With a final glance in the mirror, I steeled myself and called for my maids to help me dress.Two figures entered the room at once: Lyla and Serah. Lyla, always a little shy, bowed quietly, while Serah’s face broke into a wide grin. Serah and I had a bond that went beyond mere service; she had been more than a maid to me. Being
Last Updated : 2026-03-27 Read more