Morning came softly, filtered through pale light and the quiet rustle of movement beyond the heavy curtains.
Maya stirred when she felt hands gently shaking her shoulder.
"Your Highness… Princess Elowen," a soft voice called.
She groaned lightly and turned her face into the pillow, the remnants of her dream still clinging to her thoughts. For a brief second, she expected to hear the hum of a city outside, the familiar sounds of a modern morning.
Instead, there was silence—deep, ancient, and heavy.
She blinked her eyes open.
Tall stone walls. Draped curtains. A carved canopy above her bed.
Right. Still here.
The maids smiled politely when they saw she was awake. Two stood near the bed, while others moved quietly around the chamber, drawing back the curtains and letting in the morning light.
"It is time to rise, Your Highness," one said gently. "His Highness has ordered that you be prepared for the day."
Maya pushed herself upright, rubbing her eyes. "Morning already?" she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep.
The maids exchanged brief, amused glances.
"Yes, Princess."
Before she could protest or ask questions, they were already at work. One helped her out of bed while another wrapped a warm robe around her shoulders. The air filled with the faint scent of herbs and steam as they guided her toward the bathing chamber.
The bath was already prepared—water warm, petals floating across the surface. Maya hesitated only a second before letting them ease the robe from her shoulders and guide her in.
She sighed the moment she sank into the water.
Okay… this part I could get used to.
The maids worked carefully, washing her hair, smoothing soap over her skin, their movements practiced and respectful. Maya sat quietly, letting her thoughts drift. Fragments of her dream flickered again in her mind—soft kisses, whispered words, the ache in her chest when she woke.
She shook her head slightly, as if to chase it away.
Once the bath was finished, they wrapped her in thick towels and led her back to the chamber. Dresses had been laid out across a wide table—layers of fabric in deep, rich colors.
Maya stared at them.
"…Do I really have to wear all that?"
The maids smiled again, clearly used to such reactions.
They dressed her carefully, tightening laces, smoothing sleeves, fastening jewelry. When they were done, one handed her a mirror.
Maya barely recognized herself.
The girl staring back looked every bit the princess—hair neatly arranged, clothes elegant, posture refined despite her confusion. She touched her face lightly, still half-convinced she might wake up again.
"You are ready, Princess Elowen."
Maya took a slow breath.
Ready or not… here we go.