Odi stood outside Princess Valerie's chambers, hesitating before knocking. She had never been personally summoned by the princess before, and it filled her with unease. The past few days had been overwhelming, her heart burdened with emotions she could not easily name. With a steadying breath, she rapped her knuckles against the carved wooden door.
"Enter," came the soft yet commanding voice from within.
Odi pushed open the door and stepped inside, instantly feeling the shift in the atmosphere. Unlike the rest of the palace, Valerie's chambers were dimly lit, the air cooler, carrying the faint scent of lavender and something ancient and very scary. It was chilly and made Odi shiver. The princess sat by the window, bathed in the silver glow of the moon filtering through the sheer curtains. Her striking features were illuminated just enough for Odi to see the exhaustion in her eyes.
"Your Highness," Odi said, lowering her head slightly in respect.
