When morning arrived, Elias stood ready as the servants brought breakfast into the royal dining room. Prince Aedric and Lady Selene, still groggy from sleep, greeted him with warm smiles as he approached their table.
"Good morning, Elias!" Aedric chirped, rubbing his eyes. "Did you sleep well?"
Elias forced a smile. "Good enough, Your Highness."
The servants began setting the table, placing plates of fresh pastries, fruits, and porridge before the children.
Everything looked and smelled delicious, and for a brief moment, Elias questioned whether he might have been wrong.
But the memory of the shadows' conversation in the garden the night before was still fresh in his mind. He couldn't afford to doubt himself now.
Before Aedric or Selene could take a bite, Elias stepped forward. "Your Highness, Lady Selene," he said, trying to sound calm, "would you allow me to taste your food before you eat? Just to be safe?"
