The days seemed long and endless, but the time until the wedding was decreasing significantly. There were only two weeks left, and Hope felt the trap closing around her with no means to escape.
She looked in the mirror, seeming as lifeless as she felt. When she saw her reflection, her soul felt as if it was dying, and it was as if she was nothing more than a fragment of who she once was. She was becoming an empty shell.
Ayala was braiding her hair, as she had learned from the other maids. Supposedly, that was the new fashion trend in the capital. While Hope allowed Ayala to play with her hair, she did not seem to mind at all.
Ayala's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Hope, I must confess something. I am sorry I haven't told you sooner."
The maid paused a little, blushing. Even now, she may not have told her, but she didn't want Hope to hear about it from anyone else. "I have been sleeping in Terix's room for a week now."
