Daniel’s POV
The morning began like any other. The palace kitchens were loud with metal clanging, servants rushing, fires being lit.
I tied my hair tightly, hid every loose strand, and focused on the work before me. Cooking was the only place my fear ever quieted. As long as my hands moved, my mind stayed steady.
I was preparing the Crown Prince’s midday meal when the first scream rang out.
“Stop everything!”
Then I heard Steel clashed, Boots thundered across the stone floor as the Guards stormed into the kitchen like a wave of black armor, their expressions hard and unforgiving.
My heart dropped. What is going on?
“What is happening?” I asked, but no one answered me.
A guard shoved past the counters and seized my knife roll. Another overturned my spice rack. Bowls shattered. Herbs
