"I've lost my appetite."
The words hung in the air like frost, cold enough to silence even the boldest breath. The smile on the servant girl's face faltered, her knuckles whitening on the edges of the lacquered tray.
I stood slowly, letting my sleeves fall with precision, the soft rustle of silk deliberate in the hush of the room. "Summon the kitchen staff," I said, voice calm as still water. "It looks like we need to have a conversation."
The girl's mouth opened, then closed. "All of them, my lady?"
I didn't grace her with a look. "Was I not clear? I want every hand that touched a ladle, every back that stood near a fire, everyone who so much as touched a knife or held a grain of rice. If they do not come…"
I turned to Shi Yaozu, who was already straightening at my side. "Drag them."
He gave the barest nod. "Yes, Crown Princess."
