Melody gazed at her dress, unable to conceal the mark left from Izaak's bite the night before. She traced the mark gently with her fingers and smiled to herself. She then tucked her hair into a neat bun and slipped into the high-necked servant's dress that Freya had brought her. Though her foot still ached, she felt ready to return to work. Resting too long would only breed laziness, she thought.
As she exited the dressing room, she turned to Freya, who had been assisting her. "Thank you for your help, Freya."
Freya smiled warmly. "It looks like you're getting back to work."
"Yes, I am," Melody replied with a determined nod.
Freya's expression grew serious. "Did Prince Izaak grant you permission to resume your duties?"
Melody hesitated for a moment before answering, "Not yet."
Freya gently shook her head, her expression turning serious. "Then you should wait for His Highness's orders. It's best not to overstep without his approval."
