Chapter 32 - 32: The Maid Who Entered the Wrong Room

Anna ran through the quiet palace corridors, her heart thudding hard enough to hurt. She had promised Tanya she would find Oskar immediately… but she couldn't leave her friend trembling, weak, and nearly fainting with an empty stomach. Besides—Oskar wasn't even in the palace yet. Searching for him without tending to Tanya first would be pointless.

So she veered toward the kitchens.

The palace kitchens at night were dim and warm, lit only by the deep red glow of dying embers in the great ovens. A scullery boy had fallen asleep at the long wooden table, ladle still in hand, snoring lightly. Anna moved silently, careful not to wake him as she gathered what she could: fresh bread, a slice of cheese, some cold cuts, a little butter, and greens for a proper sandwich. She even added a large glass bottle of milk—good nourishment for Tanya.

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