[Before the coming-of-age ceremony]
Katrina sighed as she stepped through the grand, marble-lined corridors of the De Gor estate. The weight of her duties as the head maid never seemed to lessen, but it wasn't the work that left her feeling exhausted—it was the growing distance between her and David. Since the coming-of-age ceremony began, David had been engrossed in training, meetings, and all the social obligations that came with his title. Their moments together, once intimate and comforting, had become fleeting.
For weeks, Katrina had been a constant in David's life. She had served the household since she was a girl, rising to the position of head maid not because of her rank but due to her loyalty and competence. Running the estate was second nature to her now, each task completed with the ease of habit. She could manage the kitchen, ensure the staff was in order, and organize even the most demanding events without breaking a sweat.
