The lords' maid
On the surface, every movement looked picture-perfect, but beneath the performance, it was purely a calculated game—two allies putting on a show to keep up appearances while hiding a web of secrets.
When the dance concluded to a roar of polite applause, Lady Eleanor approached us, holding a delicate glass of sparkling water. Lucian bowed his head softly and stepped away to greet a few nearby lords, leaving me with his mother.
"How are you holding up with all of this?" I asked her quietly, gesturing toward the buzzing crowd celebrating her news.
Lady Eleanor took a small sip of her water, offering me a tired, grateful smile. "I cannot quite say yet... but thank you so much for standing by