Chapter 14 - Choosing A Wife For The Prince

Lydia stood frozen on the stage, her eyes scanning the sea of faces staring back at her. Her heartbeat quickened, and a wave of unease swept over her as she recalled Isabella's performance from earlier. The effortless grace, the confidence, and the applause Isabella had received loomed in Lydia's mind like an insurmountable shadow. Her hands tightened around the edges of her dress, and she struggled to steady her breath. It took several moments before she managed to collect herself enough to begin.