one hundred and sixty nine

Chapter 169

Jenny’s POV

I stood at the doorway, torn between the growling hunger in my stomach and Elijah's strict instructions to stay put. He had emphasized the need for security, especially in the palace where danger could lurk around any corner. The absence of the guard and Miranda, my trusted maid, only added to my dilemma.

As I waited for Miranda, the minutes stretched into an eternity, each passing second amplifying my hunger. The silence of the palace felt suffocating, a stark reminder of my isolation in this vast, echoing space. The weight of Elijah's concern for my safety pressed down on me, a heavy cloak of protection that sometimes felt more like confinement.

My thoughts swirled in a chaotic dance of hunger and duty. The tantalizing aroma of food wafting from the kitchen beckoned me, tempting me to risk a quick trip for sustenance. Yet, the memory of Elijah's stern warning echoed in my mind, a reminder of the risks that lurked beyond the palace walls.

I rubbed my swollen b