Janelle
The great hall buzzed with laughter and conversation as nobles feasted at long tables decorated with golden candles and fresh flowers. I stood against the wall with the other serving maids, my hands trembling slightly as I gripped the heavy wine pitcher.
"You'll be serving the royal table tonight," Mrs. Crawford had told me an hour earlier. "Try not to embarrass us."
Now, watching the King and his court enjoy their meal, I wondered if this was some kind of punishment. The royal table sat on a raised platform at the front of the hall, putting everyone at it on display. Including Adrian.
He sat to his father's right, wearing a deep blue jacket that made his dark hair look almost black. His face was a mask of polite attention as some lord told a story about his hunting trip. Adrian hadn't looked in my direction once since the feast began.
"Janelle," hissed Sarah, one of the senior maids. "You're up. Refill their wine."
My stomach dropped. "Can't someone else.."
