The head maid's cold, authoritative voice cut through the air like a knife, leaving no room for negotiation. She shoved a heavy silver tray into Olivia's trembling hands.
"Take this tray to Duke Avvion's office immediately. Do not speak unless you are addressed. Place the tea on the mahogany desk, and leave at once. Do not linger. Understand?"
Olivia gripped the tray so tightly her knuckles turned white.
Why me?
she screamed internally.
I've only been here for one day! I haven't even learned how to navigate the kitchen, let alone face the most terrifying man in the entire empire!
She felt like a lamb being led to the slaughterhouse, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.
She took a shaky breath, forcing her feet to move. Every step down the long, opulent corridor felt like walking toward her own execution. The palace seemed unusually quiet, the silence amplifying the frantic rhythm of her own heartbeat.
