Sophia’s P.O.V

I woke up early that morning, before the sun had even begun to stretch its fingers across the sky. The kitchen was still cold, the servants still hadn't arrived yet, but my hands moved through the motions like they had a mind of their own.

I started chopping vegetables, my mind heavy with the thought of what I was about to do. I could feel the weight of the day pressing down on me, but I didn’t stop.

The smell of fresh herbs and sizzling meat filled the ...