Amelie filled the jar with water and sealed it with a lid. As she turned to leave the kitchen, her gaze landed on the Queen. She immediately stopped and bowed respectfully.
"We have palace servants for a reason," Queen Mabel said. "I'd like to speak with you."
Amelie's grip on the jar tightened slightly, but she nodded and followed the Queen in silence. They walked into a private room, one Amelie had never entered before. Her eyes wandered across the space, settling on the framed photographs on the wall: the Queen with her children, including a much younger Gabriel. A soft smile tugged at Amelie's lips at the sight.
"Take a seat," Mabel gestured toward one of the upholstered chairs.
Amelie placed the water jar on the table and sat down across from the Queen, folding her hands neatly in her lap. A hint of anxiety stirred within her. Was this a reprimand for everything that had happened to Gabriel?
"How is Gabriel?" Mabel asked.
