My back cracked as I stretched out on the bed. The welcome party had been a nightmare for all the workers. We had to work day and night, cleaning up countless messes. Piles of dirty dishes and scrubbing the hall until the floors shone were just the tip of the iceberg.

Wanda's welcome feast had lasted three nights, and I was fed up. In addition to peeling vegetables, I'd been stuck washing dishes—a never-ending task.

I stepped out of my room. Though my body still ached with exhaustion, work wouldn't wait. After a quick shower and dressing, I headed straight for the kitchen. But as I approached, the head maid...