Several days slipped by quietly, the palace growing busier with each passing hour as preparations for the grand ball consumed the attention of servants and nobles alike. The sound of hurried footsteps, the rustle of fine fabrics, and the clatter of decorations being arranged echoed through the long corridors. Everywhere one turned, maids carried bundles of flowers, servants polished silver trays, and stewards barked orders to ensure every detail was perfect for the approaching event.
Amidst all this activity, Dydra had returned to the palace as quietly as possible, careful not to draw attention to herself. The timing of her return overlapped with the frenzy of preparations, which worked to her advantage. With so many people distracted by the upcoming celebration, fewer eyes lingered on a single servant moving through the halls.
Still, she kept her head down.
