20
~Lisa's POV
By the time I stepped back into the palace, my body felt like it had been dragged through fire and my stomach twisted with emptiness. I hadn't eaten since yesterday, barely drank anything either. The hunger burned at the edges of my patience, making my head light and my steps slower. I dragged myself toward the kitchen, praying there would be something left, anything. Just a piece of bread. Even crumbs would do.
As I pushed the kitchen door open, the sound of splashing water and clinking dishes greeted me. The kitchen was alive with activity, maids scrubbing plates, wiping down counters, and stacking trays. But the smell of food had already faded. Whatever they cooked was long gone.
One of the maids, Tessa, I think, glanced up from where she was scrubbing a large pot and scowled. "Well, look who finally showed up," she said loudly, making sure her voice carried through the kitchen.
