The southern dining hall was already awake when Aire arrived.
Warm light spilled across the long chamber through towering arched windows while servants moved quietly between tables carrying trays of fruits, meats, fresh bread, and steaming tea.
The scent of cinnamon and coffee filled the air. Everything looked painfully normal and Aire hated it immediately.
She wasn't sure she have ever been to this part of the castle.
Two guards pulled the heavy doors open for her without hesitation.
"My Luna."
Their voices carried respect. Yet Aire still caught the flicker of fear beneath it. She also noticed a brief shift in their eyes before they lowered their gazes too quickly.
They knew. Maybe not everything, but enough. Who would have told them?
Aire stepped inside anyway.
The sound of silverware against porcelain echoed softly through the room.
