Visit

The morning sun crept through the ornate curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I woke up, feeling the weight of the previous day's journey and the uncomfortable dinner with King Darius and Queen Seraphina. I sat up, stretching the stiffness from my muscles, and took a deep breath.

Today was the day to see the eastern province and understand the struggles of its people firsthand.

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I called, my voice still thick with sleep.

A young servant entered, bowing respectfully. "Good morning, Princess Lydia. Your bath is ready."

"Thank you," I replied, getting out of bed and following her to the bathroom. As I stepped into the warm water, the tension in my body began to melt away. I closed my eyes, trying to clear my mind of the uneasy feeling that had settled in my chest since my arrival.

After a few minutes, I asked the servant, "Is my mother still here?"