Adina's heart wouldn't stop racing. Her palm still throbbed from the fall, and no matter how many times she replayed the moment in her mind, it made no sense.

There hadn't been a spill. No mess. Nothing.

She knew she'd been set up. But why?

Her breath hitched as she rounded a corner, nearly bumping into a maid carrying a tray. She muttered a quick apology, ignoring the way her wet skirt clung to her legs. The maid glared at her before walking off.

Adina sighed, running her hands through her hair. If Lord Levi hadn't been there—if he hadn't interfered, then she would've been in a hot mess.

Why would the girl even do that? Adina hadn't had any issues with her so far. In fact, she'd stayed away from everyone except Kora. So why?

Just as she moved to walk, she paused in her step. Standing feet away from her and talking to another maid was the same girl who'd set her up.

Adina didn't even think, she moved instinctively towards the girl. "Hey!"

The girl looked up at the sound of her voice and surprisingly rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "What?" She barked, her tone sharp and dismissive, like Adina was some buzzing fly.

Adina stumbled slightly, momentarily thrown by how casual she was acting. Was this the same girl who had shoved that bucket into her hands and asked her to help out?

"What the hell was that?" she demanded, stopping just short of the girl. "You said there was water! That nobles were coming through!"

The girl didn't even blink. "And?"

Adina's jaw dropped. "And? I nearly got punished! A noble screamed at me in front of everyone. You said it was urgent—"

"I did," the girl cut in, her voice dry. "So?" She rolled her eyes. "It's not like you were punished. Coming to me and acting all high and mighty." She huffed. "Your tantrum would've made sense if you were punished."

"What?" Adina croaked out. "Did you—did you do this so I would be punished?"

"Yes, are you just figuring that out? I went through all that stress for nothing. Ugh… I was already looking forward to the drama but… you're so boring."

Adina couldn't believe her ears. She stood still like a statue, stunned to her core. The girl's eyes suddenly lit up like she saw her savior, staring past Adina.

She began to walk only to pause at Adina's side, glancing at her. "This is Obsidian. Keep up." She said and turned to whoever it was with a bright smile before running towards them.

Adina turned around only to find Megan standing while the girl sucked up to her. Megan's gaze locked on hers and immediately Adina understood. The girl had done this under Megan's instruction.

She watched as the two of them walked off, while she stood behind, suddenly more aware of the fact that this was Obsidian. Everyone was out to get the other.

__________

Adina stood over the sink, scrubbing a plate with too much focus, like it could scrub her thoughts clean too. Kora was beside her, drying the dishes as fast as she handed them over.

Adina hadn't told her what happened, not yet. Not when she was still trying to make sense of it. She shook her head to get rid of the thoughts. She had to focus. She couldn't afford another mistake.

"You okay?" Kora asked softly, not looking at her, just passing her the next plate.

"Yeah," Adina lied, her voice tight. "Just tired."

Kora gave her a look but didn't push. She had learned not to.

Around them, the kitchen buzzed louder than usual. There were more of them in here, all working. The aroma of roasted meat, spiced vegetables, and fresh bread filled the air, making Adina's stomach twist in hunger and nervousness.

Tonight was important. The head maid drilled it into their ears this morning.

The king was hosting a formal dinner to welcome Lord Levi to Obsidian. According to what Adina heard, Lord Levi was the king's own relative. They weren't related by blood, but Levi is a son of a cousin and if he were a Lycan, he would've been in line for the throne.

Tonight was important, and thus they couldn't mess up. Not that they could on a random night. The castle was humming with preparation. And everyone knew the king had no tolerance for mistakes. Not tonight.

Kora leaned closer to her, grinning. "Who do you think the head maid will pick to serve at the dinner?"

Adina glanced at her then shrugged. "I don't know."

"I'm hoping I get picked. Those who get to serve at special dinners like these slays get rewarded. If you do extra well, the king might even reward you."

"Really?"

Kora nodded, "Really. Not just that. They barely finish the many foods served to them and so… those who serve take the food. They get the leftovers from the dinner and let me tell you… what the royals leave behind. They aren't worth being called leftovers. It's always a whole gourmet."

She then paused, squinting her eyes at Adina. "And you? Aren't you wishing to be named after all I mentioned."

Adina managed a smile, shrugging. How could she say she hoped the head maid never called her name? Being in the same proximity as Thorne? No. She didn't want it. No matter how much the bond tugged at her insides whenever he was near.

Just as Kora opened her mouth to speak more, the door slammed open, and the kitchen went silent.

The head maid walked in, hands clasped behind her back, eyes sharp and sweeping over them like a hawk. Everyone stood straighter, quieter, and waiting.

"We're short on hands," the head maid said, her voice commanding. "So I'll be selecting a few of you to serve tonight in the dining hall. If your name is called, drop what you're doing and go get changed."

Adina could tell almost everyone, if not all, were praying for their names to be called.

Matilda's eyes swept over them again, and she began. "Neera. Hani. Fila. Garet…"

One by one, she called their names, and soon followed was the sound of feet scurrying off to get ready.

Adina held her breath, hoping she wouldn't be called—

"Adina."

She froze, a plate still in her hand. Kora's head snapped to her, eyes wide. Of course, her name would be called. When did anything ever work out in her favor?

Adina looked up slowly. "Yes, Head Maid?"

"You'll be serving tonight. Go clean up."

Adina opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Her stomach sank. "Yes, ma'am," she finally murmured, setting the plate aside. Her fingers were still sore from earlier, and her knees ached, but that didn't matter now.