Soraya's POV
The morning light spilled through the curtains, breaking the soft darkness of my room. I groaned and turned away, but Asha was already there, pulling the drapes open wider until the sun bathed everything in gold.
"Good morning my lady," she said cheerfully, her voice much too alive for the hour. I blinked against the brightness and saw her standing beside my bed, smiling.
"Good morning," I murmured, still half-asleep.
"It's time, my lady," Asha said, her tone laced with excitement.
"Time for what?" I mumbled, rubbing my eyes.
She grinned wider. "You asked to come with me into town the next time I went. Well… that's today."
I groaned again, burying my face in the pillow. "But it's too early…"
"No, my lady, it's nine thirty-seven," Asha replied, pointing to the clock beside my bed.
"What?" I shot up instantly, turning to the clock. "It's nine already?"
