KATHERINE

When I opened it, fortunately, it was just a maid preparing my bath.

"Come in," I instructed, diving back into my preparations.

"Your Ladyship, I can arrange your clothes," she immediately offered with a submissive stance.

I’d bet anything that this overly "attentive" service was a reflection of the hosts' sudden change in attitude.

"Not necessary, just prepare the bath properly. Is there any essence?"

"Yes, yes, rose, grapefruit, and also lavender. If you’d prefer another..."

"Lavender is fine," I chose randomly.

I sat in front of the mirror and started untangling the mess of damp hair. What a sight I was.

"It's ready," she informed me after some time.

"You may leave," I said, watching her through the reflection.

"If you’d like, I could give you a massage, or bring you an aromatic candle, or..."

"I don’t need anything else, thank you. You may go," I repeated, not rudely, but firmly.

She bowed her head in acknowledgment and left, closing the door behind her.

I genuinely felt