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My li and I felt I needed at least a few hours’ sleep before venturing out again

But I didn’t think it wise to wait

Bellacame, for all I knew

Besides, I was curious as to where she o at night when fewer people are about because, like I said, Master wouldn’t approve ofyou for walks about the castle" She unlocked the door and ledme toward the end of the corridor, she stopped outside a door to our left

It led into a dark, circular roo to the upper and lower floors

We began descending it and stopped five levels below in another small dark room

She left the staircase and opened the door

It led into an enorh, and rich drapes hung fro table with about fifty high-backed chairs around it directly in the center of the hall, and at either end of the table were chairs of particular luxury

One looked like it was plated with silver, the other gold

The rest of the hall was empty, save for the decorations on the walls

It reminded me of some kind of fairytale court, of the castles of old

"The royal court," Bella muttered

Royal was certainly the word I would have used to describe it

I could have reed on me and we continued

The corridor we exited into ider this tieway

More red drapery lined the walls

Bella stopped outside another large oak door

She pushed it open to reveal a kitchen

"This backs onto the royal hall

It’s where all the royals’ meals are prepared" She led me further into the room

I stared at all the sharp cutlery, butcher’s knives, and various other instru into er than the one I’d seen in the kitchen on one of the floors above

"So, ogres… they eat humans" Bella bit her lower lip, then nodded

"And I’m to be fattened because I will also be eaten?" I continued

I could have sworn that tears glistened in Bella’s eyes

She looked down at the floor and nodded