With a soft smile Lady Emilia's mother entered the room, her presence providing comfort and warmth. "My dear Emilia," she said.
"I hope you're feeling well today. I wanted to talk to you about something important."
Lady Emilia listened quietly, nodding and paying close attention to her mother.
Her mother said, "We have an invitation to a Grandiose celebratory party in the Palace tomorrow," her eyes glistening with anticipation.
"It will be attended by some of our closest friends, as well as the queen and the princess."
The mention of guests as distinguished as these caused Lady Emilia's eyes to widen with surprise.
With a tone of skepticism, she said again, "The queen and the princess?"
"Yes, indeed," her mom smiled to assure. "It's a wonderful opportunity for us to socialize and strengthen our connections within the court.
I thought it would be a lovely chance for you to meet some new people and perhaps even make some new friends."
The idea of going to such a distinguished function made Lady Emilia's heart skip a beat. She said, "Thank you, Mother," with appreciation.
"I would be honored to accompany you to the Grand party tomorrow."
Her mother's pride was evident in her daughter's answer. "Superb," she exclaimed.
"I will make sure everything is prepared for our attendance. It's sure to be a delightful affair."
Lady Emilia could not suppress the thrill that bubbled up inside her as her mother exited the room.
She was excited and nervous about meeting the queen and the princess, and she was looking forward to the Grand party and what it might bring.
Among the women of their nation, Lady Emilia's mother was renowned for her elegance, charisma, and intelligence.
Her altruism and commitment to numerous humanitarian projects garnered her widespread respect and admiration, allowing her influence to reach far beyond their home.
She was in high demand at social events and gatherings for her exquisite manner and flawless social abilities.
Lady Emilia's mother had mastered the nuances of court life as the well-respected and powerful aristocrat Duke Hudson's wife, winning the respect and confidence of both powerful people and her peers.
Her reputation as a well-liked member of their society had been cemented by her capacity to create wholesome bonds and link people together.
Lady Emilia's mother was a busy woman with many obligations, yet she always found time for her family, providing her daughter with steadfast support and direction.
Lady Emilia looked up to her mother because she was wise and gentle and showed grace and composure in every circumstance.
As she got ready for the impending Grand party celebration, Lady Emilia felt confident and proud to have her mother's powerful presence by her side.
Her mother's advice would be crucial in negotiating the complexities of social graces and court etiquette, and she was excited to represent their family with dignity and grace.
Lady Emilia couldn't help but experience a twinge of nostalgia for the mother she never had as she thought back on her previous existence as Mich.
She had struggled to grow up without a mother because she had frequently felt empty and yearned for the protective love and direction that only a mother could give.
She remembered those times, especially in difficult or uncertain times, when she had longed for a mother's consoling presence in her recollections as Mich.
She had faced life's challenges without the support of a mother figure, relying instead on her own fortitude and tenacity, frequently finding comfort in her husband Rome's love and affection.
But now, as Lady Emilia, she was fortunate to have a powerful and kind mother who provided constant support and direction.
Lady Emilia was strengthened and inspired by her mother's elegance and wisdom, which served as a constant reminder of the value of strong family ties and the efficacy of maternal love.
As Lady Emilia fell into a restless sleep in the depths of night, her dreams became ominous and frightening.
Standing beneath a crimson moon that cast menacing shadows across the landscape, she was struck by its unsettling brightness.
There was a chilling wind whispering through the trees like the murmuring of lost souls, and the air was heavy with an oppressive sense of dread.
Abruptly, a guy wearing a midnight-black cloak appeared out of the shadows. With a menacing grin twisting his face, Lady Emilia recognized the young man she had met earlier, and her heart raced.
She was horrified to see the young man in her dream execute horrible deeds and give himself as a sacrifice to an evil force that she could not see. Lady Emilia's cries resounded through the night as she attempted to turn away, but her dread immobilized her and she was unable to take her eyes off the horror.
With a sudden change in perspective, Lady Emilia was standing in the shadows of her own house.
A crushing feeling of fear overcame her as she cried out for Rome, chilling her to the bone.
And then she saw him – her beloved husband, lying lifeless on the ground, his body bathed in a pool of crimson blood. Tears streamed down Lady Emilia's face as she reached out to him, her cries of anguish lost in the oppressive silence of the night.
She felt a chill go down her spine as an icy hand suddenly seized her shoulder. With panic throbbing in her heart, Lady Emilia turned to face the source of the icy touch.
With his eyes blazing with evil purpose, it was the young man she had dreamed about. He promised to take her soul as his own and spoke in a gloomy, depressing voice while grinning twistedly.
Lady Emilia panicked and attempted to run, but she felt as though there were invisible chains resting on her limbs.
She cried for aid, terrified and desperate, but the howling winds and the dark figure after her were too loud for her cries. She wakes extremely terrified.
Lady Emilia jolted awake with a gasp, her heart racing in her chest as the remnants of her nightmare still lingered in her mind.
She clutched at the sheets, her body drenched in a cold sweat as she struggled to shake off the lingering terror.
She cried out, "Sasha," her voice quivering with terror. "Is everything alright?"
With a worried gaze, Sasha hurried to her side. "Lady Emilia, you were thrashing in your sleep and crying out. I was so worried!"