Rhynera dragged her feet down the corridor, her body aching from exhaustion. All day she had been running through endless duties, and appearances, for the Queen pushing herself to earn some kind of foothold in this new palace.
She thought perhaps if she proved her worth, she could one day win the Queen's heart.
Her hands trembled as she pushed open her chamber door. A sharp pain traveled through her fingers; she had worked too hard. But what met her eyes inside the dining chamber froze her where she stood.
The table was set for dinner, steaming dishes laid out with the maids waiting in silence.
Adam was already seated, and beside him smiling like she belonged there was Serena.
Rhynera's stomach twisted. The sight was almost hideous to her, unbearable. Still, she forced herself forward, smoothing her gown as she stepped into the hall.
"Good evening, my lord," she said softly, trying to sound composed but underneath she was raging mad.
