Althea could barely recognize herself once Riela and the maidservants finished preparing her for the coronation.

“I…” she trailed off, staring at her reflection in the full-length mirror.

For a moment, she simply stood there, taking in the woman before her.

“You look ethereal,” Riela said with a bright, admiring smile. “Truly beautiful. The gown suits you perfectly… so pure, so angelic.”

Althea’s long, wavy hair had been carefully braided, with soft, loose strands framing ...