Chapter 3

Three days later, Clara's confinement was lifted. When she came to me, she looked worn and haggard, her eyes glinting with a trace of resentment.

I pretended not to notice.

Just then, a palace steward arrived with a message. "His Majesty has tonight summoned Lady Clara to his presence."

Clara's eyes lit up. The gloom of the past few days vanished in an instant. She hurried to her dressing table, eager to adorn herself.

It had been the same in my last life. This was her first night she'd ever been summoned by His Majesty since we entered the court.