48 The Night Before

Time passed faster than Hope would have liked. She stood in front of the mirror, and Ayala brushed her silky brown hair. It was the last day before the wedding, and the trap had almost closed completely around her. If Willow's words hadn't still been alive in Hope's mind and kept her going, she would likely have felt far worse.

Lost in her memories and thoughts, Hope didn't even notice that the maid named Heather had come into the room. "I am sorry to bother you, Lady Hope. But I came to help you choose the clothes you will wear tonight."

Hope frowned, staring at the maid. "For tonight? What is going on tonight?"

Heather began to stutter, rubbing her hands restlessly. "I thought you knew. It is the Night Before. And I came to help you get ready."