The morning sun streamed through the tall windows as Maya opened her eyes, a quiet sense of peace wrapping around her. For the first time in ages, she felt light, almost...happy. She lay there for a moment, savoring the feeling before her maids entered, bustling about as they prepared her for breakfast. As she brushed her teeth and stepped into the bathroom, flashes from the previous night resurfaced. A blush spread over her cheeks, and her heartbeat quickened at the memory. She still couldn’t quite believe that she'd had the courage to be so vulnerable with Tay. Shaking off the thought, she allowed her maids to finish their work, and soon she was ready.
Arriving in the dining hall, she took her usual seat. She noticed the other concubines glancing her way, some with looks that hovered be
