"Did you hear? The clan's daughter just arrived—"
"The one with the bad temper?"
"The one who slapped a maid last month?"
"Shhh! Do you want to get executed?"
Ava walked past the group of maids, their hurried whispers filling the stone corridors. She didn't slow her pace, but her ears caught every word.
They spoke of someone dangerous. Someone entitled. Someone who got away with everything.
And then—
A sharp, panicked cry.
"Please! I didn't mean to—"
Ava's steps halted.
She turned her head slightly, just enough to see what was happening ahead.
A young maid knelt on the ground, shaking.
Above her, a tall, impossibly beautiful girl stood with her arms crossed, her silk robes cascading around her like liquid gold. Blonde hair, flawless skin, and a face carved with arrogance.
Daughter of Dracaeris clan
Her lips curled in distaste as she stared down at the trembling maid. "Did you just—dirty my sleeve?"
The maid's voice wavered. "I-I tripped, my Lady, I swear—"
