Have Courage

She did her best to keep it together as she returned to her room. Ida was there to greet her, but she told her maid that she was tired and would like to turn in for the day. Sierra could not catch anything Ida said before she left. 

Once she was certain she was alone, Sierra slumped down on the side of the bed. Her hands were shaking. She brought her knees close to her chest and buried her face in her folded arms. 

The conversation she had with Cassandra replayed in her head over and over again. 

Sierra could already picture the scene in her mind. Tomorrow, as the official concubine list is being revealed, her heart would be pounding in her chest. She would wait for her name to be called in anticipation.