Morning light filtered through the tall windows of Drukbane’s palace. The scent of cooked meat, fruit, and spices drifted down the corridor. Servants moved quickly, some carrying trays, others whispering about the Luna’s latest request.

Liora sat upright in her chamber, wrapped in a soft robe. Her cheeks were flushed, and her stomach rumbled. “I need the red ones,” she said to the servant girl standing near the table. “Not the yellow ones. The red ones taste better.”

“The red ...