[Lavinia's POV]
[Imperial Palace—Dawnspire Wing—Lavinia's Chamber]
I had just turned fourteen.
And with that came the unshakable, undeniable truth—I was becoming more beautiful by the second.
I leaned in closer to the mirror, my chin tilted at the perfect angle, admiring the delicate curve of my cheekbones, the glow of myskin, and, the mischief dancing in my eyes.
"Hah… gods, I am so gorgeous," I murmured, smirking with full confidence, as if the mirror might disagree otherwise.
Behind me, Marella giggled. "There she goes again—praising herself like she's a goddess carved from marble."
Nanny chuckled too, her hands busy folding freshly ironed gloves. "Let her be."
I spun on my heels, placing my hands firmly on my hips like a general addressing her troops.
"What?" I demanded with mock indignation. "Am I lying?"
Nanny gave me that indulgent smile she reserved for when I was being particularly ridiculous. She stepped closer and began adjusting a stray curl beside my temple.
