Maris felt her heart pounding in her chest as she stood outside the elegant wooden door. It was hard to believe that on the other side of it was Seraphina, Lucan's mother—her future mother-in-law, if everything went well.
If I can get her approval, then everything will be set, she thought to herself, trying to muster the courage to face the woman who was known throughout the kingdom for her cold, reserved demeanor and her unmatched skill with a bow.
Maris pumped her fist, silently encouraging herself. I can do this, she thought. She had done her research and prepared meticulously for this meeting. Every detail, from her dress to her hairstyle, and even the way she would speak, had been carefully considered.
