Chapter 14

• The narrow hallway reeked of mildew, damp stone pressing against the backs of the tired, silent servants who trudged by in their ill-fitting uniforms. But the discomfort of the place paled in comparison to what weighed heavily on me: the constant looming threat of the King’s guard.
• I caught sight of Peter standing by the trash chute. He looked a little out of place in the sterile corridor, the faint hint of frustration on his face as he glanced at the clock on the wall. I couldn’t blame him. I’d promised to meet him earlier, but, as usual, my duties had kept me tethered to the endless chores.
• “What took you so long?” His voice cut through the stillness, a mix of concern and impatience. He stepped forward to take the bag of refuse from my arms, his strong hands gripping the edge of the sack before tossing it casually down the chute.