Chapter 16

Tessa’s POV

After the training, I went back inside my room to take a bath. With all that excessive force, my entire body muscles were stiff. The instant my body touched the warm water, I sighed in relief.

While I was dressing, another maid came in to tell me Zane requested my presence at the dining table for a meal. I told her to give me a few minutes, and she nodded before leaving.

I changed into a pair of leggings and a cotton shirt, did as asked, and went downstairs. There was no one else in the dining room, but I was greeted by the delectable scent of fried, saucy chicken.

Arriving, I couldn’t help the frown that formed on my lips upon seeing a single set of tableware.

“Isn’t the Dark Lord coming?” I doubted it, but I couldn’t help the sliver of hope that needled its way into my chest.

“No, miss. Sorry. He said he would be at the Packhouse for a meeting. If you need anything at all, please let me know. I was also asked to remind you not to leave the palace without your guard. For