Lumina stepped into the grand ceremonial hall with Stella at her side, her fingers curled lightly around her maid's wrist.
Lumina could hear the rustle of silk skirts and the clinking of trays a the palace maids were already at work preparing the space for the upcoming festival.
"Your Highness," one of the older maids greeted quickly, bowing low.
"We were not expecting you so early." she let out even though it was clear in her voice that they didn't expect her at all.
"I wished to see the hall before the work begins," Lumina replied calmly, ignoring her rage-baiting voice. "I want to know what has been prepared so far."
A murmur ran through the group of maids, faint, but she caught every word despite their attempt to whisper.
"How can she inspect it when she cannot see?"
"Perhaps she only came to stand here and look pretty."
"The Crown Princess will do most of the work anyway. Everyone knows that."
