The banquet hall had emptied, but the air still carried traces of spiced wine and lilac perfume. The royal household lingered in the adjoining marble hall, where a smaller fire burned low in the hearth.
Elara moved quietly between the polished columns, gathering the last of the crystal flutes. Most of the servants had been dismissed, but she'd been kept on — again.
Near the fire, Lady Serina stood beside the Queen, her laughter soft and practiced. Her gown shimmered with threads of silver, catching the light with every graceful movement. She looked every bit the heroine the original story adored.
"Your poise is admirable, Lady Serina," the Queen said, eyes warm. "One day, such grace will serve the realm well."
Serina lowered her gaze in modesty, but her smile was sharp enough for Elara to feel from across the room.
As Elara turned toward the doors, voices caught her ear. The King's deep tone, Kael's even reply, and the Queen's softer interjection.
"…still no leads on the attempt," Kael said. "It was too coordinated to be an accident."
The Queen's reply was barely above a whisper. "Then you must be cautious of everyone, even those within these walls."
Before Elara could move away, a hand brushed her arm.
Lady Serina.
"You're lingering," Serina murmured, her voice sweet but edged. "Careful. Standing too close to conversations above your station can be… dangerous."
Elara dipped her head. "Of course, my lady."
Serina's smile deepened, satisfied. "Good. I'd hate to see a maid forget her place."
As Serina glided away, Elara let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She told herself it was fine — she was still a background character.
And yet… the Queen had noticed her. Kael had saved her. The chandelier had fallen where she stood.
Background characters didn't gather this much attention.