Page 19 of Hawthorne

“That’s what she said,” Edgar comments with a smirk, and all I can do is glare at him.

Is it that spicy? Sweet chilli usually has a little spice, but it’s very light. When I bring a piece of the salmon to my mouth, there’s an explosion of flavours swirling in it, overwhelming my taste buds. The salmon is fresh and juicy, and the marinate makes the flavour even richer than I expected. It is spicy, but only slightly, and the grilled vegetables balance that part of the dish quite well.

“It’s mouth-watering.”

“No,” my mother shakes her head. “This is not the kind of dish we traditionally eat. This is notourkind of food.”

I lock my jaw at her dismissive behaviour. The food is exceptionally good. Sure, it is slightly different from what we’re used to, but Camilla did exactly what I asked of her. A main dish with salmon, and it tastesdivine.

“I love it,” Edgar adds.

“I can’t win with you two,” she grumbles, eating around the salmon. “Well, moving forward…when will you start thinking about settling down or choosing a possible wife?”

I almost choke on the piece of salmon at her words.

“There was a mutual agreement that we’d be doing this at my pace,” I comment. “Why the sudden change?”

“Well, you’re duke and second in line,” she informs me of what I already know. I arch my eyebrow in question. “It’s only right to have a wife. If you become king, the pressure for offspring will be strong after the current king’s failed attempts.”

“Well, whatever my fate is, either staying as duke or becoming king, I will get married when I feel ready to do it.”

“Vincent, that’s not how it works–” I cut my mother off by raising my hand.

“I don’t care. I am the duke. I decide.” Taking the thick serviette to clean my mouth. “And if I become king, I will decide then. You can expect me to fulfil my duty, but I will do it my way and on my own time,” I inform her of what she already knows. “Especially now that I need to manage all of aunt’s belongings, see what I want to keep or donate, and how I can merge her economies and the small wine business she had into our corporation. I’ve got a lot on my plate,” I voice, looking at my empty plate.

“Well, I can’t force you, can I?” she snickers.

A frown is etched onto her face, letting me know she’s not happy with the outcome of this conversation. But I couldn’t care less right now.

“Your Graces, sorry to interrupt…Was everything alright? Did you enjoy the meal?” Camilla’s voice chimes in from the opposite side of the table.

“Ye–”

“No.” Once again, Duchess Sarah Byron strikes, cutting me off. “We’re not at an Asian restaurant. This should have beena traditional dinner where my son’s favourite would have been served. Like meatloaf, for example, instead of this.”

It’s crazy she still thinks meatloaf is my favourite when it was my father’s…

“I am very sorry to hear that, but His Grace, the duke, specifically told me he wanted salmon for dinner,” Camilla answers with a calm and even voice.

“Well, it wasn’t to–”

“It was wonderful, Camilla. Thank you so much for this meal,” I cut my mother off before she can escalate things. “I am rather full, so we won’t be eating dessert at the moment. Can you box a couple so they can take it with them and taste it later?”

“Of course, Your Grace.” She bows.

Just as she’s turning around to leave, my mother’s voice stops her in her tracks.

“We won’t be taking it with us. Don’t bother.”

Camilla’s face falls slightly, but she manages to maintain a tight-lipped smile before excusing herself from the dining room.

“Mum, I wanted some of that mysterious dessert,” Edgar whines.

“Why are you being so rude? The girl did nothing wrong.”

“Working for your aunt is enough to make me dislike her. Plus, she has to understand she has to do thingsourway now!”

“No,” I counter. “She has to do it my way, and I was pleased with dinner. It was what I asked of her. I only asked for a main dish. She added a starter and a dessert. She was one hundred percent effective in the task I gave her this morning.”

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