Chapter 73: Hotel invite

The trio settled around the dining table, the air thick with unspoken tension. Mara busied herself serving the meal, her movements precise but noticeably brusque. As she poured tea for Lady Matilda, her hand trembled slightly, causing a few drops to spill onto the saucer.

"Oh, I do apologize, my lady," Mara said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "My hand seems a bit unsteady this morning. Perhaps I'm simply tired from all the... noise last night."

Matilda raised an eyebrow but maintained her composure. "No harm done, Mara. Thank you for the tea."

Zafron shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting between the two women. 'This is going to be a long breakfast,' he thought, reaching for a piece of toast.

Mara turned her attention to Zafron, her demeanor softening instantly. "I hope you slept well, Zafron. I made your favorite – honey-glazed porridge with fresh berries."