52
As the carriages slowly rolled into the majestic palace of the duke, Noori's fingers dug into her wrist, her gaze fixed on the scene unfolding through the corner of her eyes. The familiar decorations and grandeur of the estate stirred up memories from the not-so-distant past. Her heart felt heavy, her throat dry, and the sound of her own voice echoed in her ears, transporting her back to happier times. She could almost feel the warmth of the sun on her skin as she danced in the lush gardens of the estate, the air filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Though the season had changed, and the trees stood bare, Noori's mind painted the scene with vibrant hues of green leaves and blossoms. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes in a futile attempt to block out the flood of memories. Yet, despite her efforts, the echoes of laughter and joy from her past reverberated in her ears, sending shivers down her spine.