The great hall looked like a king's treasure. Red banners with gold wolf designs hung on the walls. Bright chandeliers lit up the shiny floors.

Long tables were covered with gleaming silver plates and cups that sparkled in the light.

I stood with the other maids along the wall, holding a tray of empty cups, trying to look small.

My heart beat hard and fast against my ribs a wild thing caught in a cage.

Queen Vivian stood. The room went quiet. She looked like something carved from stone ...