The morning light streamed through the intricately carved window lattices, casting a soft glow over the chamber. A gentle breeze stirred the white gauze curtains, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere. Lingling slowly opened her eyes, gazing up at the canopy adorned with golden leaf carvings. A lazy smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
She was the princess of the kingdom, born into nobility, living a carefree life. Everything in the palace was both familiar and distant to her. She didn't have to concern herself with the shifting politics of the court, nor had she ever seen the world beyond the castle walls.
"Your Highness, today it is your turn to learn court etiquette," the lady-in-waiting gently reminded her.
Lingling furrowed her brows and couldn't help but complain, "More of these boring lessons..."
She was tired of the endless formalities, weary of the people in the palace who always wore false smiles. She longed to see the world outside, to know how the people beyond the castle walls lived.
But this wish had never been allowed.