The week before the wedding feels like a blurry dream. Griselda spends most of the time during the day receiving lessons and learning about the court and royal life: etiquette, politics, and the endless rules that govern every action.
She feels Aidan's love and support in every moment, especially in moments when she feels like giving up, and it's a constant reassurance that she's not alone. But the nobles, especially the women, have made it clear they don't accept her. They see her as an outsider, a commoner, a maid who somehow charmed her way into the King's heart. Though while subtly making their displeasure known, they do so in fear because of the rumours surrounding her.
Tonight, the tension is a living, breathing thing surrounding and choking Griselda. Aidan is hosting a party to celebrate their upcoming wedding, and the ballroom is filled with different high-ranking nobles from different kingdoms dressed in their finest clothes.
