Adela, Ian, and the other maids remained on the palace grounds, their eyes locked on the path ahead. The anticipation was palpable as they watched their loved ones ride into the distance, their silhouettes becoming smaller against the vast expanse.
After a while, Ian broke the silence, his voice soft but filled with concern. "Adela!"
Adela's gaze remained locked on the path where her parents had disappeared. Her heart was heavy with both fear and hope. With a deep breath, she murmured, "Be safe."
Adela was brought back from her thoughts as Ian's voice cut through her contemplation. "You need to get ready, or else we will be late," he reminded her. The urgency in his tone mirrored the necessity of their presence at the party.
Adela nodded, acknowledging the importance of her father's words. She had a duty to attend the event, to face Camilla and Francis, and to navigate the complex web of emotions that swirled within her.
**
