The king gestured toward one of the maids standing nearby. "Please escort her to the restroom."
Anastasia gave a small, polite nod and followed the servant out of the dining hall. The moment they stepped into the hallway, she quickly scanned her surroundings. Izara had disappeared from sight, but Anastasia knew exactly where she had gone. Upstairs.
They turned a corner, and the maid opened a door. "Here is the restroom, ma'am."
Anastasia forced a small smile. "Thank you. I can find my way back after."
The maid hesitated. She had likely been ordered to escort Anastasia both ways, but after a brief pause, she nodded and left.
The moment her footsteps faded, Anastasia stepped out of the restroom and hurried toward the staircase, careful to keep her pace measured in case someone was watching. She reached the top and glanced down both ends of the dimly lit hallway, searching for any sign of Izara.
Then, she spotted her.
