The steam curled gently from the bath, and the tray of food was placed quietly near the window. As always, the maid worked with graceful precision—neither rushing nor dawdling, barely making a sound.
Elara sat near the edge of the bed, her fingers brushing the fabric of her dress absently.
She hadn't touched the food.
She hadn't moved much since morning.
The maid glanced at her, then hesitated. For the first time since Elara arrived at Blackthorne Hall, she spoke beyond her usual duties.
> "Are you… well, my lady?"
Elara blinked, startled.
Not by the words themselves—but by the kindness in them.
It was the first thing she'd heard that wasn't "Your bath is ready," or "Lunch is served."
> Because I'm not one of them.
No matter the ring on my finger or the title they give me. I'm still a girl from nowhere, and they don't see me—not really.
Why did he marry me, then? Why me?
The maid stepped back, sensing her silence.
> "Forgive me, my lady… I didn't mean to intrude," she said quickly, voice soft with apology. "I just… you seemed distant."
Elara looked up. Her eyes were tired, but her lips curved—faintly.
A soft, warm smile.
It was the first smile anyone had seen from her since she arrived.
The maid blinked in surprise, almost dazzled by it.
> She looks... radiant, she thought.
> "You may speak freely," Elara said gently. "If something's troubling you, I'd rather hear it than pretend not to."
The maid lowered her eyes. "No, it's not that. I was just afraid to disturb you. You always seem lost in thought."
That made Elara laugh.
Light. Breathless.
The sound surprised them both.
> The first time I've laughed in this house... How odd it feels.
The maid, emboldened by the warmth, asked quietly:
> "If I may… how was your meeting with His Grace?"
Elara didn't answer at once.
Her gaze drifted again—to the window, to the flicker of candlelight.
> Why me? Of all women?
Why marry someone from the commons, only to treat her like a stranger?
Why are we husband and wife in name only?
And why does he act like I'm a threat? Or a mirror he doesn't want to look into?
Silence filled the room again, thick and unspoken.
The maid, sensing something sacred in Elara's thoughts, lowered her head with quiet respect.
She didn't ask again.
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See you in the shadows…
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