The palace kitchens were buzzing the next morning. Servants scurried like frightened mice, whispering about the night before. Daya kept her head low as she scrubbed trays, wishing she could fade into the stone walls.
But whispers clung to her like smoke.
"She embarrassed Princess Rosa…"
"How is she still breathing?"
"Did you see the Prince defend her?"
Each word twisted the knot in her stomach tighter.
By midday, her fears proved true.
"Daya Roman," a guard barked, stepping into the kitchen. "You are summoned by Her Highness, Princess Rosa."
The kitchen fell silent. Every servant froze, their eyes darting to her with pity. Daya's hands trembled, but she stood, bowing her head as she followed the guard through the gilded corridors.
They led her to the Princess's private garden — a place of roses, fountains, and silent malice. Rosa sat beneath a marble arch, dressed in flowing white, her beauty radiant but her smile sharp as glass.
"So," Rosa drawled, swirling her goblet of wine. "The clumsy maid who ruined my evening finally arrives."
Daya knelt, her voice soft. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I meant no harm."
Rosa's smile vanished. "No harm?" She snapped her fingers. Two guards stepped forward, seizing Daya by the arms. She gasped, struggling weakly, but their grip was iron.
"You humiliated me before the Dragon Prince," Rosa hissed, her eyes blazing. "Do you think I will let that stand?"
"Please, Princess, I—"
"Silence!" Rosa rose to her feet, her hand lifting as if to strike again. "You will learn your place."
But before the blow could fall, a shadow loomed.
"Release her."
The voice was deep. Commanding.
The guards froze. Rosa spun around, her breath catching.
Prince Vanda stood at the edge of the garden, his dark cloak billowing in the wind, his eyes like storm clouds.
"Your Highness," Rosa began, her tone shifting sweet, "this is no concern of yours. She is a servant. A disobedient one."
Vanda's gaze did not waver. "She spilled wine. That is her crime." His voice dropped lower, colder. "Tell me, Princess — does such a mistake require blood?"
Rosa's lips parted, but no words came.
The silence stretched. The guards hesitated, then slowly released Daya. She stumbled, bowing low, her heart hammering.
Vanda's eyes lingered on her for only a moment before he turned, his voice curt. "See that it does not happen again."
With that, he left, his cloak sweeping behind him.
But in Rosa's heart, hatred burned hotter than ever.
And in Daya's, fear tangled with something she could not name.