"What's this whispering about?" Matilde demanded, her voice sharp as her gaze swept over the gathered maids.
The kitchen fell silent. Martha stepped forward hesitantly. "Ma'am, we've noticed some supplies are missing—fruits, cheeses—important items for the king's banquet. We thought it best to—"
"Enough!" Matilde barked, cutting Martha off. She took a step closer, her hands on her wide hips.
"This is the royal castle, not some petty inn! Food doesn't just go missing here. Do you understand? You must have miscounted or misplaced something."
Clara opened her mouth to protest, but Matilde's icy glare stopped her short.
"You're wasting precious time with this nonsense," Matilde continued, turning to address them all. "The banquet preparations are behind schedule as it is. I don't want to hear another word about missing food. Get to work!"
With that, she spun on her heel and stormed out, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.