Soraya's POV
By the time I reached the kitchen, steam rose from giant pots, servants rushed everywhere, and the air was thick with the smell of roasted meat, spices, and stress.
And right in the middle—
"Maria?!"
Jenny.
She nearly dropped the platter in her hands.
"What are you doing here?" she hissed. "You're supposed to be with the princess!"
"Mrs. Anita sent me," I muttered bitterly.
Jenny rolled her eyes. "That woman needs a hobby."
"Preferably far away from me."
She snorted, then pulled me behind the counter, out of the chaos. "What's going on?"
"I need a favor." My voice dropped. "I need to avoid going to the dining hall."
Jenny stared at me like I'd grown horns. "Avoid? Maria—everyone is in the dining hall. Including the royal family. Including the princess. Including the prince. And you're supposed to be there."
"I know," I whispered. "But I can't."
"Why?"
"It doesn't matter."
Jenny's lips curved slowly.
A dangerous, teasing smile.
