Kaia managed a small, relieved smile, her earlier confidence now giving way to the reality of what she had just done. "Actually, my knees are still trembling with tension," she admitted in a low voice. "But you know what they say, fake it till you make it."
Lora grinned, patting Kaia on the back. "Well, if that was faking it, I can’t wait to see you when you’ve made it."
Kaia laughed softly, the sound tinged with both relief and the weight of responsibility. The road ahead was daunting, but she knew she wasn’t alone.
Kaia walked through the grand hallways of the castle, the weight of her new responsibilities pressing down on her shoulders. Her mind was still racing from the confrontation earlier, but now she had to focus on the next task at hand: facing the royal court. As she approach
