And slowly, with trembling fingers and a guarded heart—I took it.
Anna's hand gripped mine like we were truly friends, but my soul recoiled. I followed her cautiously through the palace halls. Her voice was sweet, her tone too gentle, like poison laced with honey.
She led me to the kitchen and introduced me to a woman named Precious — the royal cook.
“You’ll be starting today,” Anna said with a bright smile. “Precious, this is Emily. She’s helping you now.”
And then she left us, just like that. As if we hadn’t spent months as enemies.
I stood there, dazed.
Precious eyed me, her brows furrowing. “I’m just surprised she’s acting all friendly with you,” she muttered, chopping herbs swiftly. “She’s not like that.”
I blinked. “She said she missed me. That she asked the king and queen to
