25
~Lisa's POV
I walked back into the kitchen, trying to keep my head down. My heart was still pounding from what I'd just witnessed with Milo, and my body ached from everything that had happened. I just wanted a moment to breathe… but the moment I stepped in, I knew there wouldn't be any.
The head maid, Matilda, was already in the center of the room, arms crossed, her face tight with anger.
"Where have you been?" she snapped.
I opened my mouth to explain, but before a word could escape, Tessa's voice cut through.
"She was probably lounging somewhere, pretending to be sick or weak," she said with a loud, fake laugh.
A few of the other maids giggled. My hands clenched at my sides.
Matilda didn't even ask for proof. "Take your position!" she barked.
Tessa gave me a smug look before strolling off to stir a pot like she owned the whole palace.
I moved to my corner, head low. I tried to keep quiet, to disappear. But just a few minutes later, Matilda called me again.
