Ariella’s POV
The kitchen smelled like roasted herbs, fresh bread, and pure panic sweat.
We stood lined up in our crisp white aprons, hands folded like we were in church. The head servant, Laura clapped once…sharp enough to make some of the girls jump.
“Listen up!” she barked. “This is the Alpha King’s farewell party. One spilled drop of wine and I swear I’ll have you on your knees scrubbing the entire floor with your toothbrush. No tripping, no giggling, no acting like weak fools. Professional. That’s the only word you need tonight. I don't want any of you disgracing me out there.”
She started pacing, low heels clicking like a countdown. “Positions,” she said, pointing at some of the girls. “Handle the elders on the right, near the tall windows…you pour their wine and stroke their eg
