We arrive when the sun has fully set, and the stars begin to emerge, decorating the night sky. I walk straight to the maid’s quarters to change my clothes. Stepping out of my room once I'm done, I head to the kitchen in search of something to eat. I haven’t eaten all day, so I'm starving.

“Hello,” I greet the head chef. With Beatrice still at Lord Easterlin’s estate, I wonder if I would be given any food tonight.

“Your dinner is with the king,” he responds stoically.

“What?” I say, shocked, wondering if I heard correctly.

“Your food is—”

“I heard you the first time,” I cut off the...