I stood alone in my dimly lit room, surrounded by a veil of silence that allowed my thoughts to echo through the caverns of my mind.

I knew I was about to embark on a daring journey, one that would force me to confront my past, my fears, and the very people who had once inflicted immeasurable pain upon me.

But I was not the same fragile girl who had been beaten to the brink of death. I was different now, stronger, both physically and emotionally.

At least I thought so.

It was as Diana had stated it; the Queen had announced the party two days prior, but only to...