Mary Ann’s POV
I did not prepare for the night the way I had prepared for our wedding.
There were no servants adjusting layers of ceremonial fabric.
No council women speaking about duty.
No Mooncrest attendants reminding me that the alliance depended upon my smile.
No one fastened jewels around my throat or placed flowers in my hair.
I dismissed Greta early and stood alone before the covered mirror in my room.
For several moments, I considered removing the blanket.
Then I left it where it was.
Tonight was not about proving I had defeated every insecurity Modric created.
I did not need to stand naked before a mirror and force myself to feel brave.
I only needed to know what I wanted.
That question had once been buried beneath everyone else’s needs.
Mooncrest needed an alliance.
