Realms of power

As Constance, her maid, helped Sarah into her corset, Sarah's mind wandered back to the strange dream she'd had. "Constance, I had the most unusual dream last night," Sarah said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Constance's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh, my lady? What was it about?"

Sarah's brow furrowed as she tried to recall the details. But the more she thought about it, the more elusive the memories became. "I don't know," she admitted, feeling a pang of frustration.

Just then, the door to the dressing room burst open, and Lady Charlotte, Sarah's mother, swept into the room. Her presence was like a whirlwind, commanding attention and inspiring awe.

Lady Charlotte was a statuesque woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night. Her skin was pale and smooth, with a subtle sheen that suggested a life of luxury and pampering. She wore a gown of rich, emerald green silk, its intricate embroidery glinting in the morning light.

Constance's eyes widened in fear as Lady Charlotte's gaze swept the room. "My lady," Constance curtsied, her voice trembling.

Lady Charlotte's eyes narrowed. "Where are the other maids? I instructed them to attend to my daughter's needs this morning."

Sarah hesitated, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I sent them away, Mother. I was tired last night and wanted some privacy."

Lady Charlotte's expression turned icy. "You don't act like an aristocrat, Sarah. You don't act like the daughter of a prime minister. You must learn to command respect and attention."

Sarah felt a familiar sense of frustration. Her mother sounded like a broken record, always lecturing her on her duties and responsibilities. But Sarah said nothing, knowing that her mother's anger would only intensify if she spoke out.

Lady Charlotte summoned the other maids with a flick of her wrist. Three maids rushed into the room, their eyes wide with fear. "Dress my daughter in something suitable for the flower viewing ceremony," Lady Charlotte instructed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Something elegant and sophisticated."

The maids scurried to obey, their hands shaking as they helped Sarah into a gown of delicate, rose-pink silk. Lady Charlotte watched, her eyes critical, as the maids styled Sarah's hair and applied her makeup.

As they worked, Lady Charlotte reminded Sarah of the importance of the flower viewing ceremony. "This is the season when the three main princes of Azura will be choosing their main wives," she said, her voice dripping with excitement. "You must make a good impression, Sarah. You must secure the best possible match."

Sarah felt a surge of rebellion. "I am not interested, Mother," she said, her voice firm.

Lady Charlotte's expression turned thunderous. "You will do as you're told, Sarah," she spat, her voice rising. "You will, Sarah!"

But just as Lady Charlotte's anger was about to boil over, Sarah's maid, Constance, interrupted, her voice trembling. "My lady, please, the ceremony is about to begin. We must hurry. You know how wonderful a daughter you have. She will definitely make you proud."

Lady Charlotte's gaze snapped to Constance, her eyes blazing with fury. But she said nothing, merely turning on her heel and sweeping out of the room, leaving Sarah to wonder what other challenges lay ahead.