Amara had just settled into her oversized bed, her limbs finally relaxing for the first time that day, when there was a knock on her door. She groaned, rolling her eyes toward the ceiling as if it could give her strength to deal with whatever was coming next.
"Lady Amara, it's time for dinner," came the soft, polite voice of one of the household servants.
Of course it was. She'd been hoping to avoid the inevitable family interrogation for at least a few more minutes. With a deep sigh, Amara swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, smoothing out her clothes before making her way to the dining room.
As she entered the grand dining hall, her parents were already seated, looking far too pleased with themselves. Her mother's bright smile was always the same warm, but with an undertone of "I'm watching you." Her father gave her a nod, clearly still basking in the afterglow of what he believed was their family's latest success.
