Ashley 

Ethonian’s hands were already trembling when the king turned his full attention on her. “I… I only followed the instructions of the kitchen head,” she said, her voice barely holding together. “I was told to come serve Miss Ashley her meal, Your Majesty. That’s all.”

The king didn’t even blink. “It doesn’t matter who told you,” he said, his tone flat and final. “I want you to taste what you brought.”

The color drained from Ethonian’s face. She looked like she was about to be sick. Panic flashed in her eyes, but she didn’t dare disobey him. Did she poison my meal, does she hate me that much to...