The next few days passed in a blur of last-minute preparations, fittings, and meetings. Soon, the day of the wedding arrived.
Daphne sat on a plush velvet chair in her room. Her maid, Elara, worked on her hair, pinning strands into an elegant updo, while two other ladies worked on her makeup and nails simultaneously.
Her skin, which had been treated to a special milk and scented bath every morning and night since the wedding was announced, a loving insistence from her mother, smelled and looked heavenly.
As the ladies worked, a single tear traced a path down Daphne's cheek. It was her wedding day.
This time, there was no fear, no despair, and no sense of dread. There was only overwhelming happiness. This was real.
This time, she was marrying a man who cherished her, and the thought was enough to make her heart ache with joy.
Just as the maids gave a final nod, stepping back to admire their work, the door opened.
