Chapter 41
Aurora soaked in the warm jasmine bath, allowing the fragrant water to wash away the stress and exhaustion of the past few days.
For the first time since her father's attack, she forced herself to relax.
The investigation could wait.
The ledgers could wait.
The corruption could wait.
For one evening, she simply wanted to breathe. As she leaned back against the edge of the bath, her thoughts drifted to her parents.
Her father was awake.
Her mother was smiling again.
A warmth spread through her chest.
Perhaps things would finally begin to improve.
After her bath, Emily and Anne helped her prepare for the banquet.
The moment Aurora stepped out from behind the dressing screen, both maids froze.
Neither spoke.
Neither blinked.
Aurora raised an eyebrow, "Why are you both staring at me like that?"
Emily opened her mouth...Closed it.
Then opened it again, "My Lady..."
Anne pointed dramatically, "You look like a goddess."
Aurora laughed, "That seems a bit excessive."
"It is not excessive," Anne protested. "If anything, it is an understatement."
Emily nodded vigorously, "For once, I agree with her."
Aurora immediately looked suspicious, "When did the two of you start agreeing on things?"
"Since approximately three seconds ago," Anne replied.
The room erupted with laughter.
Aurora turned toward the mirror.
Even she was momentarily surprised.
The gown was unlike anything she had worn before.
Soft champagne silk flowed elegantly from her waist to the floor, hugging her figure before cascading into a graceful train behind her.
Delicate golden embroidery climbed across the fabric like intertwining vines kissed by sunlight.
Tiny, embroidered blossoms shimmered whenever she moved, catching the light of the candles and creating the illusion of scattered starlight dancing across the gown.
The fitted bodice enhanced her natural elegance without appearing overly extravagant, while the sweetheart neckline softened her youthful features and added a touch of maturity.
A sheer champagne overskirt flowed behind her like a veil of moonlight, creating an ethereal effect with every step.
Her chestnut-brown hair was left loose, cascading down her back in soft curls.
A delicate diamond headband rested amongst her curls, the jewels glittering subtly rather than overpowering her natural beauty.
Matching diamond earrings swayed gently whenever she moved.
There was no excessive jewellery.
No towering hairstyle and no heavy decorations.
Yet somehow, she looked more noble than many ladies covered in jewels from head to toe.
She looked effortless, elegant, beautiful. And completely herself.
Emily placed a hand over her heart dramatically, "Oh dear."
Aurora looked at her, "What now?"
"The young noblemen are going to lose their minds."
Anne nodded seriously, "The older noblemen too."
Emily gasped, "Anne!"
"What?" Anne shrugged. "I'm simply being realistic."
Aurora covered her face, "You two are impossible."
Emily smiled warmly, "No, My Lady."
Her eyes softened, "We're simply proud of you."
Aurora paused. For a moment, she couldn't speak.
The past few days had been filled with fear, worry, and responsibility.
She had forgotten what it felt like to be treated like a young lady preparing for a banquet.
Not a Duchess.
Not a healer.
Not an investigator.
Just Aurora.
Anne suddenly leaned closer, "My Lady."
"Hm?"
"If the Crown Prince sees you tonight, Lady Bella may accidentally choke on her champagne."
Emily nearly fell over laughing, "Anne!"
"What? Again, I'm being realistic."
Aurora shook her head helplessly. Yet despite herself, she laughed. A genuine laugh.
One she had not made in a very long time.
And as Emily adjusted the final fold of her gown and Anne fussed over an imaginary wrinkle, Aurora looked at her reflection once more.
For the first time since returning to the past, she didn't see the desperate girl who had once chased after Lucian.
She saw someone stronger.
Someone wiser.
Someone ready to face whatever came next.
And somehow, surrounded by the people who cared for her, she no longer felt alone.
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