Chapter 61. The Wedding

VESTA

Since I wasn’t sure what step to take, I stayed rooted in place, hoping the universe would lend me a hand. Even the faintest sign of his whereabouts would be a blessing.

I waited, scanning my surroundings, every fiber of my being tensed. The universe should come to my aid.

Any moment now.

Oh, come on!

“I thought he was important to you. Given up on searching already?” a voice above me remarked, half-amused.

Aha!

I looked up to see a young woman standing over me. By her attire, I could tell she worked in the palace. The faint aroma of onions clung to her—a kitchen maid, no doubt.

What was it with maids who smelled of onions and their uncanny knowledge of my business?

“And who are you?” I asked, squinting up at her. “And who is it that’s supposedly important to me?”

“Like who I am matters,” she replied, with a scoff. “And my knowledge of what you’re looking for—let’s just say that’s irrelevant too.”

She extended a