The morning sun filtered softly through the gauzy curtains of my chamber, bathing everything in a pale golden glow, but it felt like the light was mocking me, as if the light was all on me to empathize, I am the only one who is not belong in this place.
Today was my last chance. The final day his majesty gave me to prove my royalty using the royalty's power, or just accept my fate.
I sat motionless on the edge of my bed, draped in a dark red gown I barely remembered putting on. I did not even choose the color. Amy had done everything, combing my hair gently, fastening the small buttons down my back, brushing the sleep from my face like I was still the girl who mattered, and she had taken care of since I was a baby. She never said anything about the upcoming judgment. Not directly, but I could see it in her eyes. The softness, sadness and hopeful.
As she fastened the last hairpin in place, her fingers lingered on my shoulder for a moment.
