Alora’s POV

After everyone had left the dining table, Violet ordered me to pack the plates to the kitchen.

The maid that had brought the food trolley earlier stepped forward to help, but Violet’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

“Go back inside. "She can handle it,” she barked.

The maid hesitated, looking between us.

“I said leave,” she snapped. “This is her job now.”

The maid gave a half bow and threw me a sympathetic look before disappearing back into the kitchen. ...