"Aurelia." Cassandra's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Kitchen. Now."
I held Julian's gaze for one more defiant second before rising from the arm of his chair, my fingertips trailing deliberately across his shoulder as I moved away. The shock on his face was worth every ounce of courage it had taken to make such a bold move.
"Of course, Cassandra," I said, my voice sweet with false compliance. "I'll make sure dinner is perfect tonight."
I felt Julian's eyes follow me as I left the room, and the knowledge gave me a rush of satisfaction I hadn't felt in years.
The kitchen was busy with activity when I entered. Pack members hired as servers bustled about, preparing platters and polishing silverware. The head cook, Marta, glanced up with surprise.
"Mrs. Monroe? They told us you'd be helping, but..." She gestured awkwardly at my emerald dress.
"I'll be careful not to spill anything," I assured her, grabbing an apron from a nearby hook.
