The two servants entered, their movements graceful and precise, as if every step had been carefully rehearsed. I grinned at them, glancing down at the array of dishes they balanced on their trays. Despite my smile, they kept their gazes respectfully lowered, not daring to meet my eyes.

“Put the dishes on that pink ivory table,” I instructed, gesturing toward the delicate table in the center of the room. “I’ll enjoy them slowly, savoring every bite.”

They didn’t respond verbally, ...