That night was unlike any other. After having dinner in her room, Eiravyne was visited by Martha, who brought an unexpected message.
"You are expected in Duke Ilkar's room," she announced with a twinkle in her eye.
Eiravyne, who had been engrossed in a book Martha had brought her earlier, felt a jolt of anxiety.
She had spent the day reading, trying to distract herself from thoughts of the sorcerer's impending visit.
The invitation from Ilkar, however, sent a shiver down her spine. He had rejected her that morning, yet now he was summoning her to his room.
Martha, brimming with excitement, exclaimed, "I'll make sure you appear as the most beautiful thing in the Duke's eyes!"
She immediately began straightening Eiravyne's hair, her hands deftly working to enhance Eiravyne's natural beauty.
