***VERA***

I woke to the faint scent of rosemary and the soft rustle of fabric. My room was already alive with motion—maids moving quietly, their steps light but definite. The morning light filtered through the curtains, painting everything in shades of gold. One of the maids smiled when she saw my eyes open.

“Good morning, my lady,” she said, her voice gentle. “The day has come.”

Her words sent a warmth through my chest. The day has come. My wedding day.

They helped me sit up, ...