LIORA’S POV
The morning sun barely touched the horizon when I woke, my stomach already twisted with nerves.
Today was the handmaiden selection.
Seraphina arrived at my chambers early, bringing an energy that felt almost aggressively cheerful.
“Good morning!” She swept in wearing a pale green dress that made her look fresh and lovely. “Are you ready for today?”
“Not even slightly,” I admitted.
Myra stood near the window, her posture rigid with tension. The bruises on her face had faded to yellow greens, but new shadows had appeared under her eyes. She hadn’t slept well despite sharing my chambers.
“You look more nervous than I am,” Myra observed, looking at me with something that might have been amusement.
“That’s because I am nervous.” I twisted my hands together. “What if this goe
