It was a beautiful morning. The kind that almost felt peaceful, the kind that fooled you into believing the world was kind.
Lydia stood in front of her mirror, quietly watching her reflection. She wore a simple but graceful blue dress that shimmered faintly when the sunlight touched it. Her hair fell in soft curls over her shoulders, and her eyes, though calm, carried a sadness that never truly left.
As she looked at herself, she said softly under her breath, "I will never let myself be hurt again."
Xena was standing behind her, carefully fixing the lace at her waist and brushing off invisible dust from her sleeves. "You look beautiful, Your Highness," she said with a gentle smile, trying to lift Lydia's spirit.
Lydia only gave a faint nod. "Thank you, Xena."
Just then, the door opened. Anna and Katherine stepped in. Anna's expression was bright as always, her tone cheerful. "Everything is ready, Your Highness," she said. "They are waiting for you."
