~Katrina~
By the time I reached the main quarters, I was already late. Most of the royal family had likely settled at the table, but I had yet to find the dining room.
Marissa approached the guard at the door. "The queen mother invited her," she informed him.
At those words, he stepped aside, allowing us to pass.
We hurried inside, moving quickly until we reached a large door. Marissa stopped, instructing the maids to wait outside before we both stepped in.
The room was grand. A long table stretched through the center, elegant chairs placed neatly around it. The plates were arranged so perfectly that I found myself wondering how long it had taken the servants to prepare everything.
Almost every seat was filled. I scanned the room for the king, but he wasn't here yet.
Disappointment tugged at me. I wanted to see him—even just for a moment. But it seemed today would be difficult. Maybe I wouldn't see him at all.
