When sun spilled through the bamboo screens and birds could be heard chirping, Saera woke. She hadn't been sleeping deeply in anticipation of the day, and she watched the sun rise on the now empty terrace, grasping at the last few moments of solitude before the staff arrived.
When they did arrive, they arrived in numbers: girls and women rapped on the door one after the other, one bringing a small meal, the other bringing hot bathwater, another carrying pins and oils and makeup pads. The older woman from the night before deeply bowed to Saera, and Saera inclined her head in return.
"I see you did indeed rise in time, lady!" The woman seemed to be in good spirits, the room bustling with activity under her direction. "Add rose petals to the bathwater! Quick, while it's steaming! Polish the jewellery once more! We will take good care of you today, lady!"
Saera smiled. "What is your name?"
"I am Ha-Rin, lady. My line has served this family for generations."
