Marissa turned and began to lead them up the grand staircase.
The group moved slowly. Marissa set a dignified pace, her hand lightly touching the polished wooden banister. She kept her head high, acting the part of the gracious hostess perfectly. Princess Dahlia walked beside her, her steps heavy with exhaustion but still regal. Lady Edwina followed a step behind.
Their footsteps were muffled by the thick, red carpet runner that covered the stairs. It absorbed the sound, making their ascent feel ghost-like. As they ascended higher, the sounds of the city outside—the carriages, the wind, the distant chatter—faded away completely.
The upper hallway was silent. It was a long corridor lined with closed doors. Ornate sconces on the walls held flickering candles, casting long, dancing shadows against the wall. The air here was warmer, smelling faintly of lavender and beeswax.
Marissa's heart beat a steady rhythm against her ribs.
