You are stronger than you think

The soft light of dawn painted the palace courtyard in hues of gold and pink as Liora stepped out of her chamber. Her pale blue gown swayed gently with her movements, the intricate silver embroidery at the hem catching the morning light. Her dark hair, braided neatly and draped over her shoulder, framed her delicate face, though her hazel eyes betrayed her nervousness. Behind her trailed the maids carrying small bundles for the road. She began to go down stone steps, glancing at four carriages already waiting in the courtyard. The carriages had been elaborately decorated; each one was highly polished wood with a sheen from the sunlight. The horses stood tall and proud, their harnesses covered with gold ornaments. Liora faltered at what she saw; the confusion was building within her mind with every step.

She glanced around, frantically seeking a face she knew. Seeing the steward giving orders to the servants of the palace, she slowly approached him, clutching at the edge of her gown. "Excuse me," she said softly.

The steward turned, bowing slightly. "Yes, madam?"

Her voice was low, almost tentative. "Why are there four carriages? One surely would have been enough?

The steward smiled at her, a small, polite smile. "Madam, the queen dowager has made arrangements for these additional carriages. They bear gifts and supplies for your new life at the estate."

Liora's brows furrowed in concern. She looked back at the carriages, this unease building up. "This seems… unnecessary. I don't need so much. I'm just a concubine."

The steward's expression changed, a slight sternness creeping into his voice. "Madam, these gifts are not about need. They are symbols of the queen dowager's support for you and her intention to present you with respect and dignity in your new household."

Liora blinked, the weight of his words settling over her. "But... I don't want to appear presumptuous. I don't deserve all this."

The steward's face softened, though his voice remained firm. "The queen dowager has thought this through, madam. Refusing her gifts would not only insult her but also risk your standing at the estate. When you arrive, there will be a small ceremony to acknowledge your role. These carriages will make an impression, one you will need to navigate your position there."

Liora swallowed hard, looking at the carriages again. She wanted to argue, to refuse, but the steward's calm resolve made it clear she had little choice. Finally, she nodded reluctantly. "I understand. Thank you."

The steward inclined his head and gestured toward the first carriage. "Please, madam, take your seat. It is time to depart."

Liora hesitated a moment longer, then allowed the maids to guide her toward the carriage. She paused before stepping inside, looking over her shoulder at the steward. "Do you think… he will even accept me?"

The steward met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "That is for the prince to decide, madam. But the queen dowager's intentions are clear. You are not without support."

Little solace were his words as Liora climbed into the first carriage. Inside, the cushions were soft, upholstered in deep velvet that smelled faintly of lavender. She settled into the seat, her hands twisting nervously in her lap.

The maids closed the door, and the screeching of the wheels against cobblestones marked their departure. The palace dwindled in the distance as Liora's mind began to withdraw into itself.

Her thoughts returned to the court, Lucien's icy, dismissive words, 'I will not accept her as my concubine.' The piercing ice-blue eyes seemed to linger in her memory ever since. There was something about him, a flicker of familiarity she couldn't quite put her finger on.

"Madam?" A soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

Liora turned to see Mira, who was sitting across from her. Mira had been assigned not so long ago but already seemed determined to ease her nerves.

"Yes, Mira?" Liora asked quietly.

The maid offered her a warm smile. "Are you nervous about the estate?"

"A little," Liora admitted, not knowing whether she had any right to tell him anything. "I don't know what to expect."

Mira raised her head, her smile turning playful. "Well at least you have a house all to yourself. And maybe Prince Lucien will warm up to you eventually."

When the name Lucien was brought up, Liora's cheeks turned red. She looked away, focusing on the passing scenery outside the window. "He made it very clear he doesn't want me there," she said softly.

Mira shrugged her shoulders, the tone light. "Men say many things they don't mean, madam. Especially princes. Perhaps he just needs time."

Liora managed a small, humorless laugh. "Time isn't something I think he's willing to give me."

Mira leaned forward, her expression serious now. "You are stronger than you think, madam. You have gone this far."

The trip had begun quietly, with dense greenery on the dirt roads. For the first time in days, Liora allowed herself to roll down the window of the carriage and appreciate the view. The fresh breeze brought her the scent of earthy trees and grass, and the view of birds flitting between the branches made her lips curve up into a rare smile. Freedom. It was a transitory feeling, but one she hadn't had since her life was turned on its head. Mira, sitting opposite her, noticed the faint curve of her lips. Her own lips curled upward slightly, delighted to see her madam smile for once, but the calm ride didn't last long.

The carriage jolted harshly, the wheels squeaking un-naturally before coming to a stop. Liora sat up, concerned. "Why are we stopping?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

The chauffeur got down from his seat and went to the window. "It appears that there is something wrong with the wheel, madam. I'll have it checked.

Liora sighed but said nothing, instead choosing to stay under the roof of the carriage. The sun was high in the afternoon sky, and its heat weighed oppressively. She began to sweat droplets on her forehead as she shifted in her seat.

Time was dragging on, and Liora, out of character, let out a soft whine. "It's taking too long. It's just so friggin' hot, and I hate this kind of weather," she muttered, fanning herself with her hand.

Mira and the other maids exchanged surprised glances. This was the first time they had seen their composed madam so openly complain. Not knowing how to respond, they hesitantly echoed her question when the chauffeur passed by again.

"Why is it taking so long? Can't it be fixed?" Mira asked, stepping down from the carriage to inspect the situation herself.

The chauffeur pointed to the damaged wheel. "It's beyond repair. The wood was weak and gave out during the journey. I've already sent men to fetch another carriage. We'll just have to wait until they return."

Mira frowned as she crouched down to inspect the wheel. It wasn't splintered or broken from impact but appeared worn and poorly made. Her concern deepened when she noticed the horses acting restless, their hooves stomping the ground nervously. She ran a calming hand over one of their necks, whispering soothing words, but the animals remained uneasy.

In the carriage, however, Liora had sunk into a worn-out exhaustion rather than frustration and leaned her head against the padded seat. And as the sun began its gradual descent, the soft rocking lullaby led her into light sleep.

By the time she woke up, the sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, while the air had cooled and given relief from the earlier heat. Feeling restless, Liora got out of the carriage despite her maids' protests.

"I won't go far," she assured them while stretching her arms.

There were chirping crickets and rustling leaves. The forest around them was alive. She wandered on a little further down the dirt path as the sun set, filtering gently through the trees, for a time cleansing her of all her annoyance and frustration and the long journey that lay before her.

But as she went deeper into the woods, the peace settled. A subtle but unmistakable sound came to her ears: the soft crunch of dried leaves underfoot.

Liora froze, tuning in. The noise was hardly audible, yet she heard it. She opened her eyes cautiously and turned to survey the dense forest and underbrush. Something went awry with the forest. It had stopped chirping, a silence where the hum of the beetles and crickets should have been. There was an air of stillness, a feeling of dread silence.

"Hello?" she said softly, her voice almost inaudible.

No response came, but the faint rustling persisted. Her heart picked up pace as she felt a sense that perhaps she wasn't alone. She took one cautious step back, her eyes scanning between the shadows that appeared to stretch and move with the dying light.

As she walked back to the carriage, the sound was getting closer. The breaking of twigs underfoot seemed louder in her ears. Liora was breathless now, and her heart was beating fast as she quickened her pace.

Before she could emerge finally from the trees and sigh in relief...

But that was what she thought just before a beast jumped in front of her...