Elsa’s Pov
The hall had begun to empty, though the laughter of guests still drifted from the courtyard. My arms ached from serving, my throat dry as dust, but I refused to falter. Convocation day had ended in Crystal’s triumph. tonight, she was restless. And I was her favorite target.
“Elsa,” her sharp voice cut across the hall.
I froze where I stood, clutching a tray of empty goblets. Every guest, every maid, every warrior still lingering in the room turned toward me at once.
“Come here,” she ordered.
I swallowed hard, forcing my feet to move. My steps echoed in the vast space as I approached the dais where she lounged beside Caleb, her golden gown glittering in the candlelight.
When I reached her, she smiled sweetly, the kind of smile that promised pain.
“You looked distracted ear
