Ava walked through the palace gates, trying to compose herself. Her face still felt hot from crying and she was certain her eyes were swollen.
The guards at the entrance gave her concerned looks, but wisely chose not to comment on her disheveled appearance.
The palace halls were familiar and comforting as she made her way toward the kitchens. She passed several servants who stopped to bow, but she barely registered their presence.
Her mind was still replaying the encounter with Kaden and the way his words had cut through her like knives.
She pushed open the kitchen doors to find the usual organized chaos of dinner preparations.
Several cooks were working at different stations, preparing the evening meal for the royal family and the court. The head cook looked up when Ava entered an
