@UnderworldRose-
Grace froze, her fingers tightening on the straps of her brace. She had expected a friend, someone familiar—but the voice, soft and impossibly noble, and the delicate sweep of hands through her hair made her chest tighten.
“May I ask… who you are, my lady?” she said, her voice steady but edged with awe. Her eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of the lady’s reflection in the mirror, drinking in every detail—the poise, the warmth, the effortless grace. “You’re a princess, aren’t you? Or… a queen?”
As Persephone’s hands moved through her hair, careful and reverent, and Grace’s breath caught. She noticed how each movement was deliberate, patient, as though she were handling something precious and fragile. Even in silence, there was a quiet authority, a soft kindness that made Grace’s heart swell.
“I’ve never felt anyone care like this before, my lady. It’s so gentle… I don’t even know how to thank you,” Grace murmured, her gaze following the careful weaving of her hair. Each strand seemed to receive equal attention, and she realized that the goddess’s care was not hurried or distracted—it was complete.
Her hands rested lightly at her sides, but her eyes never left Persephone’s face. “You take the time for me… a huntress… and yet… you treat me with such… such grace, such patience…” Her mind raced to find words worthy of the moment, but all she could offer was quiet, genuine admiration.
Grace’s chest tightened, overwhelmed by awe and gratitude. She swallowed hard, her voice soft but sincere. “Thank you truly, princess… queen… dear lady… for noticing me, for being so kind.”