Page 43 of A Kingdom so Crimson

Over the past two weeks, I'd gradually let my guard down around Saasha and Elise, finding solace in their company, and felt genuine excitement whenever we gathered for meal prepping. Unlike the other women I'd known back home, who seemed intent on tearing me down or using me to further their agendas, whether it was getting closer to Jesri or Calum.

I returned to the table and grabbed a knife, joining Saasha and Elise in cutting up the remaining vegetables.

"How did you end up joining Levon's staff?" I inquired, a smile playing on my lips.

"I was found, much like you," Elise replied, completing her final chop of a carrot. "Levon saw something in me and offered me refuge. He gave me a sense of belonging and security when I needed it most, and I owe him more than words can express." Her smile held a hint of something deeper, leaving me curious about the untold chapters of her story.

She often kept her soft blonde curls draped in front of her face to conceal the long scar that ran from the side of her eye to her jaw. Despite her efforts to hide it, there were moments when she would absentmindedly push her hair back, revealing the mark.

Whatever trials she had endured, the resilience in her blue eyes spoke of kindness.

After drying the last plate, Saasha sat in a heap and bit into an apple. "I, on the other hand, asked for the work."

She chewed through her words, driving me to chuckle at how unladylike she was right now and how much I wished I had the strength to be like her.

She was the complete opposite of Elise, with raven-black hair, freckles covering every inch of her dark skin, and seafoam eyes that made me miss the sea salt air.

"Since I had a few useful talents, he decided to give me a chance," Saasha explained, a hint of gratitude in her voice as she savored another bite. "Joining Sir Alder's household was a dream come true for me. Who wouldn't be thrilled to work for someone respected for their kindness?"

Elise chimed in with a nod, her eyes reflecting a similar sense of appreciation.

Then why in Tyran would he associate with Jesri or Kaizen, for that matter? I was unable to comprehend the reasoning behind it.

"Have either of you ever met Kaizen or know if he's been on the estate before?" I inquired, seeking some clarity.

They both shook their heads, mirroring my bewilderment.

"Though Sir Alder is a kind man, he is quiet and keeps to himself," Elise remarked, sliding the produce into a boiling pot of water.

"He's quite the charmer if I do say so myself," Saasha remarked, finishing off her apple and dabbing her hands on her apron.

We all chuckled, diverting our attention to the plucked and cleaned chicken on the table. Saasha swiftly pivoted toward the warm bread oven, sliding in another batch of fluffy dough to rise.

While Saasha tended the bread, I joined Elise in seasoning the chicken.

"Eliah, can you get me the dried lemon, pepper, shallots, and tarragon from that cabinet over there?" she asked, expertly cutting the chicken apart.

I nodded and walked to the cabinet filled with jars of dried spices, the overpowering aroma filling the air as I opened the door. I quickly found the lemon, shallots, and pepper, placing them on the table below. After moving several more jars aside, I found the tarragon, marked with a small dragon scribbled on the label. I brought the spices over to Elise, holding out the tarragon.

"Why does this one have a dragon on it?" I asked as she finished washing her hands and began spreading the lemon and pepper over the chicken.

"It's referred to as the 'little dragon' because of the bite it gives. It's quite the flavor," she explained, finishing the seasoning before placing the chicken in the blazing coal oven.

I nodded, marveling at how much I didn't know about the nuances of preparing such wonderful food.

Together, we carefully lowered the rest of the vegetables into the boiling pot of water, the spices mingling with the rich scents of our cooking.

The kitchen was not as extravagant as Jesri's, but it was comforting with its glowing candlelight's and expansive windows that reflected a cozy warmth. The walls were lined with the same golden stone as the estate's exterior, while its floors were dark-stained wood that mimicked the tabletops and chairs. Several cabinets held spices, produce, nuts, hard cheeses, and anything you could think of that lined one side of its wall, tempting me to take a bite out of some dried berries.

"We may have watched you this morning, and you must teach us how to throw a punch like you did," Saasha exclaimed, leaning casually against the table.

I felt my cheeks flush at the attention. "I'm not sure I quite won that fight," I stated, embarrassed they were watching my outburst from this morning.

"Nonsense, you held your own," Elise reassured me, pulling her hair back forward as she spoke.

I chuckled lightly, sitting beside the long table as we waited for the food to cook. "I can show you much more than that if you'd like?" I offered with a smile, a warmth spreading through me at their kindness.

They both nodded in agreement before Elise spoke up. "I'm sorry for all you've had to endure, Eliah. I can't imagine theweight of your responsibilities. But seeing how adept you are at handling yourself, I have every confidence you'll succeed in the King's Match."

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