"I should leave; it's getting darker," Amara said.

"It seemed like it got dark early tonight," Mary replied. They stepped out of the tent to observe the weather.

"Winter is getting closer," Amara remarked. The two women fell into silence. Despite their brief moments of joy, the future felt unpredictable.

"He might love you," Mary suggested.

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Amara looked at her, a flicker of hope mixed with apprehension in her eyes. "I don't want to dream. I know my reality, but I have no idea what the future holds for me."

"Look at the people. Everyone is jealous of you right now. You're the one married to him. Soon, everyone will want to be friends with you, I'm sure of it. Even if it's fake, they will respect you. You're the soldier who gained the crown prince's knowledge without the captain's help," Mary encouraged.

Amara glanced at the crowd, a painful smile crossing her face. "Do you see them, Mary? They're looking at me, but they won't talk to me."

"They might be afraid," Mary suggested.

"No one speaks to me or wants to befriend me, yet they watch my every move while ignoring my gaze. Their eyes disturb me," Amara said and left , turning back toward her tent .

The weather shifted. "Snow? It's early," she murmured.