Chapter 166

Princess Elena’s POV The silence after I tore the fabric was sharp enough to sting. For a heartbeat, the woman in front of me simply stared. Then her face twisted with fury. “What do you think you’re doing?!” she shrieked. I folded my arms slowly, meeting her glare without flinching. “I’m not putting on a servant’s uniform. And I won’t allow myself to be humiliated in this house.” Her lips thinned. “I told you already…this instruction came straight from Queen Gloria. If you intend to defy her…” “I intend to earn her respect,” I cut in calmly. “Not grovel for approval.” My gaze swept over her, cool and deliberate. “And even if I were to change, it wouldn’t be because you ordered me to. You’re a housekeeper, not the Queen. If Her Majesty wants to speak to me, she can do so herself.” A sharp, outraged voice sliced through the tension. “How dare you!” I turned. Two women had emerged from the banquet hall behind us. Both were tall, broad-shouldered, carrying themselves like soldiers rather