The night draped the Second Princess's chamber in a soft, muted glow—flickering flames of a solitary candle casting dancing shadows on the walls, creating an intimate atmosphere for Liliana and her handmaiden, Elena, engaged in hushed conversation.
Seated before an ornate mirror, Liliana's dark brown eyes reflected the dim light. Elena, with practiced grace, combed through Liliana's dark wavy hair, each stroke a deliberate act of care.
"Princess, why did you return the golden rose to the Ásján prince?" Elena's gentle voice broke the silence as her hands moved through Liliana's hair.
Liliana met her own gaze in the mirror, her fingers unconsciously brushing over the smooth fabric of her gown. Her brows furrowed subtly, a fleeting expression of uncertainty crossing her features.
"Marry him and live in Ásjáheimr, Elena?" she asked. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she looked down. "To give me a rose... I was certain he planned to use me."
