Hawl grabbed the handles of the first cart and pushed it toward the doors. Novus followed with the second cart. They entered the sprawling royal kitchens.
The room was a chaotic blur of panicked activity. Dozens of cooks and servants rushed between massive stone ovens and preparation tables. Despite the frantic energy, the pantry shelves were completely bare.
Novus and Hawl parked the carts near the main butcher blocks. The cooks immediately swarmed the food, grabbing the meat and grain to begin preparation.
Novus stepped back against the wall, crossing his arms and watching the staff work. Hawl stood beside him, pretending to count the remaining inventory.
They listened to the frantic conversations echoing through the kitchen.
"The Morval kings are demanding three separate suites," a servant complained while scrubbing a large copper pot. "They refuse to share a wing with the Tarnstead nobility."
