I need to gather evidence

I slipped quietly out of the Alphas' quarters, tucking the USB drive deep into the inside pocket of my maid's uniform. My fingers brushed the silver dagger hidden in my sleeve-my only means of protection. Sunlight streamed through the palace's carved lattice windows and cast mottled shadows on the stone-paved paths, but I felt no warmth. My heart felt as if it were gripped by an invisible fist, and each step was heavier than the last. The banqueting hall, located in the western wing of the palace, was reserved for royal festivities. Its golden dome gleams in the sun, and two uniformed guards stand guard at the main entrance. Not daring to approach from the front, I circled to the servants' passage-a tip from Marie. It is usually left unguarded except during shift changes. I had just set foot on the stone stairs of the passage when a hurried voice called from behind. “Wait! Are you the maid assigned to clean the banquet hall?” My heart jumped. I turned to see a flustered maid in a red