Page 185 of Cruel Devotion

Moni took her hand back and I immediately missed it.

Soon, the server began to carve it in front of us and place the duck on our plates. Succulent slices of meat glistened under the soft candlelight.

Another server entered with plates covered with thin, delicate pancakes. Next to them was a dab of hoisin sauce, and finely sliced scallions and cucumber.

Once they left, I picked up a pancake. “Follow me. It’s best this way.”

“Okay.” She mirrored my actions.

I wrapped the tender duck in a pancake, topped it with the scallions and cucumbers, and right before eating I dipped it in the sauce. “This is one of my favorites.”

We both took a bite at the same time.

She groaned in pleasure.

I almost did too.

The combination of the crispy skin, the flavorful meat, and the sweet hoisin sauce, complemented by the fresh crunch of scallion and cucumber, created a delightful harmony in my mouth.

She swallowed. “This is nowmyfavorite too.”

“Good. I’ll make sure you have this every week.”

She chuckled. “You’re going to send your palace servers to Lotus Blossom and have them carve it at my table?”

”Or. . .” I shrugged and took a bite.

She paused from eating. “Or what?”

“Or you'll be living here.”

“That um. . .” She shook her head. “Lei, that's moving too fast.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. Let's get the battle done and bury our fathers. And by the way, when my sisters are with me, I'm different. I’m in mommy mode.”

“I don’t care.”

“Yeah but it's not as sexy and adventurous as Moni has no responsibilities mode.”

“I can't wait to see you in action.”

She blushed and returned to eating.

I took a bite and then placed my food on the plate. “So, Duck gave youThe Essence of the Cloud Dragon?”

She coughed a little and then grabbed some water.

I smirked.

After a few seconds, she put the glass down.

I studied her. “Did he?”

“I can't confirm or deny that.”

“You're not in court.”

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