36

Noori stood in silence, her eyes closing momentarily as the maid hastily exited the room. She felt a surge of frustration and helplessness wash over her, her throat constricting with unspoken words. As her gaze shifted towards Dastan, she noticed the defensive stance he had assumed, ready to protect the maid against any perceived threat. Noori remained silent, her voice stolen by the weight of her emotions, feeling as though she were choking on her own turmoil.

The tense silence was broken by the arrival of another group of maids, bustling into the room with an array of dresses and jewelry for Noori. They had come to prepare her for the banquet scheduled for later that evening, an event both she and Dastan were expected to attend.