The morning light fell softly through the tall windows of the Queen's chamber, but the atmosphere inside was far from warm.
All the maids around could tell the Queen wasn't in a good mood, not like she had been ever since the nuptial ceremony.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Rhynera greeted, lowering herself to her knees.
Her voice was low, though her fingers trembled slightly as she held the tray having the Queen's morning tea.
It's a custom for the crown princes to do this every morning after the nuptial ceremony.
She stretched out her arms, offering the cup of tea toward Queen Sephora.
The Queen's eyes swept over her with a scornful expression. Without a word, she leaned forward to take the cup.
But just as Rhynera's hands left the cup, the Queen's lady-in-waiting suddenly pulled her hands back, as if she had changed her mind.
The cup slipped and hit the ground with a sharp clink, hot tea splattered in all directions.
