It was about thirty minutes after Bernard and Beta Gilbert had left when a few guards arrived at the mansion to pick up Maria and Luna Victoria.
Maria had almost drifted off on the couch when the guards entered the living room, and she quickly shot to her feet.
Luna Victoria soon emerged from her room, already dressed and composed, a calmness in her steps as she descended.
Maria was just about to rush to her room when one of the guards called her back, handing her a small bag.
"This is for you," he said with a nod.
Opening the bag, Maria found a matching outfit identical to the guards'. Instantly, she remembered what Beta Gilbert had said about her needing to blend in to witness the trial at the packhouse.
Without wasting a moment, she dashed to her room and dressed in the uniform. It took her about ten minutes, but when she stepped out, her tie hung loosely around her neck.
The same guard who'd handed her the bag approached again. "Let me help with that," he offered.
