Shadows Behind the Festival

Donald

The grand hall was quiet except for the soft flicker of candlelight dancing on the golden walls. Elena sat stiffly, eyes wide with disbelief as My voice echoed across the room.

“She is now under my personal protection,” he declared. “From today, Elena will no longer serve in the slave quarters. She’ll have her own chamber in the royal wing. Anyone who defies this order will answer me directly.”

The nobles and palace servants stood silent, ...