The maid's eyes gleamed with admiration. "You are truly brilliant, my lady. Everything is falling into place."
Without waiting for further instructions, already well aware of what needed to be done, she gave a deep bow and slipped out of the room, leaving Arata alone with her thoughts.
Precisely five minutes later, the rhythmic thud of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor. The chamber doors swung open, and two guards entered, each gripping Sorayah firmly by the arms. Her head was bowed, her shoulders slumped in quiet defeat.
"My lady," one of the guards announced with a slight bow. "The maid is here."
Arata's lips curled into a smirk as she leaned back against her plush feathered chair. Her fingers idly traced the delicate carvings on the armrest while her eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"Let her in," she commanded smoothly. "You both may leave."
