Amaris POV
Amaris woke up with a heaviness in her chest, but her mind was set.
After a bath, she slipped into a simple peach, flowy short dress and a pair of slippers.
She had a destination… and a decision.
The first person she saw was Lora.
"Hey… I'm actually looking for Ariel or Miandra. Any idea where I can find them?"
"Of course, my lady," Lora said with a warm smile. "Lady Ariel is usually in the stables — she rides every morning. And Lady Miandra is at the training grounds."
"Alright, thank you," Amaris said, then paused, embarrassed.
"Um… where exactly are the stables and training grounds?"
Lora gave her directions, patient and kind, and after thanking her again, Amaris headed toward the stables first.
Ariel wasn't there.
Instead, a young boy was feeding hay to a horse much larger than him.
"Hey… um… have you seen Miss Ariel? The girl inside said she'd be here."
"My lady already left," he said politely. "She always rides every morning. You just missed her."
"Oh. Alright. Thank you."
Amaris turned and made her way to the training grounds.
The first thing she saw was the large gate… and the guard standing in front of it.
"Hi," she said softly, suddenly feeling small and out of place.
"Good day, miss. What business do you have here?" the guard asked.
"I'm here to see Miandra. I was told she'd be at the training grounds."
"Lady Mirianda didn't mention expecting anyone. I suggest you turn back."
"Um… well, I didn't exactly tell her I was coming," she admitted. "But please, can you tell her I want to see her? My name is Amaris. She knows me."
The guard studied her for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright. Wait here."
He returned a few minutes later and bowed.
"She will see you now."
Inside, the sight stunned her.
Shirtless men and young boys trained intensely — push-ups, sword drills, guns, instructors shouting commands.
She didn't know what they were preparing for, and honestly… she didn't want to know.
She'd barely taken a few steps before she saw Miandra walking toward her with a bright smile and open arms.
"Amaris! How was your night?" She pulled her into a warm, bone-crushing hug before letting go.
"It was okay. Yours?"
"It was good."
Miandra took a breath, her expression softening.
"About yesterday… I didn't mean to upset you. I myself was upset, and I shouldn't have spoken to you that way — not as someone older, or of my rank, or someone who could have been a mentor. For that, I apologize."
"No… you don't have to," Amaris said quickly. "You were right. I was blinded, like you said. You only made me see. So… I should be the one thanking you."
Miandra froze for a moment, stunned by the honesty.
"I… actually wanted to see him," Amaris continued, voice low. "I don't know if he'd want to see me. I mean, after everything, I just thought—"
"Oh, really?" Miandra interrupted, eyes brightening.
"Well, you came to the perfect place. He's here."
Before Amaris could react, Miandra took her hand and started pulling her forward.
Amaris' heart fluttered painfully — a soft, nervous thud-thud-thud in her chest.
What would he look like now?
Would he think she was beautiful?
Would he hate her?
Would he turn away?
So many thoughts swirled through her mind that she might have run if Miandra wasn't firmly leading her forward.