Morning light filtered through the tall windows of the diplomatic quarters, bathing the room golden.
Alina stood before the mirror like a statue, barely breathing as Laura dressed her. She made her wear a formal court gown of deep emerald green embroidered with silver thread, the traditional colours of Arcsdedia.
The gown was beautiful, yet it felt like chains. Every pin in her hair, every jewel at her neck reminded her that today's an entire court who hated her would judge her.
After styling her hair, Laura stood in front of her and watched her from head to toe, making sure she looked perfect.
"You look so much like her," she whispered. "For a moment I thought Lady Isadora herself was standing here."
Alina's eyes welled up.
"But I don't feel like her, Laura. I feel like a fraud wearing Arcasedian colours. No matter how hard I try, I can't let fear out of my mind."
