Kingdom of Ash

kitchens, hot and bright with the light of the
great hearth.
Lady Elide had worked here—had known
these people. Not Valg, but people conscripted
into service. People who would undoubtedly
talk about the comings and goings of this
keep. Just as they had at the palace in
Rifthold.
The various servants and cooks were
indeed waiting. Staring toward the stairs on
the opposite side of the cavernous kitchen. As
was the lean, green-eyed tabby cat across the
room.
Dorian made himself as small as possible.
But the beast paid him no mind, its attention
fixed on the stairs. As if it knew, too.
And then steps—quick and hushed. Two
women entered, empty trays in their hands.
Both wan and trembling.
A man who had to be the head cook asked