st gate, the guards usher me insid

h iron-bound doors and guards who looked ready to decapitate anyone who dared step out of line. My

s snapped to attention immediately, hands on their weapons. My pulse jumped, bu

e up and down, scanning every inch of my app

trying to steady my voice. "Here to

y tunic, for a second I thought he was checking for the telltale curves

ard stepped back. "Very well boy, as you

eeling the first sma

ures rose toward the sky, decorated with gold and intricate carvings. My eyes widened, drinking in every detail, every flouri

t threatened to unbalance me. Every step brought me closer t

his robes looked perfectly neat, his eyes sharp and calculating. He lo

be a chef?" he ask

high. "I can cook. I can manage a

arly unimpressed. "Have y

ware that your kitchen needs someone comp

re trying to see through the boy I claimed to be. Finally, he sighed. "Very well. F

aightened immediately. A chance to

stacks of ingredients, gleaming knives, and dozens of men working with every detail and carefulness. The heat was in

here. I cou

. "Do not fail. The Crown Prince has lit

g to work, my mind calculating, pla

ange, frightening world, I fel

dangerous kitchen in the empire, while putting my existenc