Stella knocks on the door.

“One second,” Lady Ashlin says.

The door opens a moment later. The lady’s maid smiles hesitantly and gestures her in. Stella smiles back.

Lady Ashlin enters the sitting room. She looks at Stella.

“Who are you?” she says.

“I’m Princess Eva’s lady-in-waiting,” Stella says. “I have a message for you.”

Lady Ashlin nods and Stella tells her about the invitation.

“Tomorrow?” Lady Ashlin says. “She never sends invitations last minute. Is anything wrong?”

“She didn’t mention anything being wrong,” Stella says. “I haven’t noticed anything so far.”

Ashlin considers. She meets with Princess Eva once a month. Always the last Friday of the month. This month, it’ll be the week before the welcome ball.

“Alright,” Ashlin says. “I’ll be there. Thank you for letting me know.”

“Of course, My Lady,” Stella says. “Can you tell me where His Majesty’s event planner’s assistant is?”

“Melanie is probably in her office.”

Lady Ashlin gives her directions.

“Thank you, My Lady,” Stella says. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Lady Ashlin nods and Stella leaves the suite. The lady’s maid stands behind her.

Ashlin turns to Genevieve.

“What do you think this is about?” Ashlin asks.

Genevieve bites her lip, considering for a moment.

“I’m not sure,” she says, choosing her words carefully. “It doesn’t sound like it’s too serious. She would have called you to be there immediately, right?”

“You’re right,” Ashlin says. “She probably can’t see me at the end of the month.”

Genevieve nods, a hesitant smile on her face.

“I’m going to finish cleaning,” she says.

Ashlin nods and Genevieve hurries away. Ashlin sighs. Her poor friend. What happened to her?

---

Hey! I’m back!

I’ve been taking a break in order to edit my next book and get some rest. I’m currently on a deadline to see how many edits I can make by June 30, 11:59 PM. Originally, it was for the fourth draft, but I finished it beforehand, so I figured I would see how much I can complete. I would like to get this released by September 2025, so, if I don’t post as often, this is why.

That’s it for today. I hope to see you soon.