The shattered cup lay in fragments on the floor, the liquid seeping into the cracks between the stones. Elisa’s gaze didn’t move from the trembling maid.
Emilia’s breath came quick and sharp as she turned to Elisa, her eyes wide with alarm.
“My lady, she heard everything.” Panic edged her voice as she stared at the young maid standing frozen at the entrance.
Liz’s face was pale, her fingers still trembling from the shattered teacup at her feet.
Elisa didn’t move.
She simply stared at the girl, her expression unreadable.
Then, after a long, tense pause, she spoke.
“Come here.”
Liz hesitated.
Emilia grabbed Elisa’s arm, whispering urgently, “She’ll tell someone. We can’t risk—”
Elisa didn’t acknowledge her. Her gaze remained locked onto Liz.
“Now.”
The single word carried enough
