The corridor was filled with the sound of gossip and chitchat. Rolling her eyes, Almira moved in the direction of the servant's kitchen. Martin was scrubbing the counter when she arrived. She gave him a wave before grabbing one of the two trays off the counter. Is someone still working at this time? The night had fallen. The sun has already set.  It was unusual that someone would be late for dinner.

She inquired, "Who's late now?"

Martin gave her a concerned look, which caused Almira to furrow her brow. "It's Valine,"

"What?!" Almira exclaimed. She was nervous earlier but she cannot leave her post until she is done. She...