Ariana's lips curled into a subtle smile as she lazily reached out and tugged the cord with a graceful flourish. The soft, melodic trill of the porcelain bell resonated through the morning stillness, its gentle chime echoing through the opulent bedchamber. The silken cord, adorned with intricate lace, quivered with the faint vibration, releasing a delicate tremor that seemed to match the rhythm of Ariana's heartbeat.
Moments later, a discreet knock at the door broke the spell, followed by the sweet, lilting voice of her maid: "My lady, you called for me?"
"Come in, Sofia!" Ariana called back, turning to the door.
The doorway creaked open, revealing Sofia, a young woman with dark, sparkling eyes and a neatly pressed maid's uniform. "A beautiful morning, my lady," she greeted, her smile warm.
"Indeed, Sofia," Ariana agreed, stretching luxuriously. "But an even more beautiful evening awaits, I believe."
