Janelle
The great hall sparkled like a jewel box under the light of a thousand candles. Tonight's feast was grander than usual, a celebration of some treaty that I didn't care to understand. The nobles wore their finest silks and velvets, their laughter echoing off the stone walls as musicians played in the corner.
I stood against the wall with the other serving maids, trying to make myself invisible. After what had happened in Adrian's chambers three days ago, I had begged Mrs. Crawford to assign me to kitchen duty. But she had refused.
"The royal family requested extra staff for tonight," she had said firmly. "I need experienced girls in the hall."
So here I was, watching the nobility feast and dance while my heart slowly shattered in my chest.
Because Adrian wasn't alone tonight.
