Page 3 of Sweet Dominion

Lan got back to my side. Since their return to me this morning, she seemed to be the leader among them, always taking charge with a natural ease.

Lan gazed at the other bowls. “Last night, I spent some time in the palace library looking up tea ceremonies in the East.”

I widened my eyes. “You did?”

“Yes.” She continued to check out the bowls. “Chen guided me around of course, showing me the various sections and even helping me find a book written by the Grand Mountain Mistress.”

“Lei’s mother, Jing wrote a book?”

“Several of them but the most important ones were about tea ceremonies.”

I let out a long breath. “I’ll need to read them.”

“I found a good one and checked it out. However, Chen said I couldn’t bring it today because it would be cheating.”

Chen is such a hater.

“However, I stayed up most of the night reading and taking notes.”

My mood brightened. “You are a life saver.”

“So, she wrote that a perfect blend of tea typically consists of three to five different types of leaves.”

“Okay.” I checked out the bowls. “I have four more to pick.”

“Apparently, limiting the amount to five, ensures a balanced and harmonious combination of flavors, aromas, and benefits.”

“Alright, Lan.” I clapped. “Good job because I damn sure was about to pick out ten or twenty leaves. It might have been pretty disgusting.”

Fen chuckled on my right. Unlike the other two, she was super shy and hadn’t said much since we arrived. At least, whenever our eyes met, she gave me a warm smile.

“Okay. Let’s see what the other four ingredients will be.” I rose from my seat, making sure my dark blue robe was closed.

Underneath it, I wore a beautiful shimmering blue sequin gown that sparkled under the soft lighting. The sequins caught the light with every movement, creating a cascade of blue and silver glimmers.

Aunt Min had insisted I wear a heavy dark blue robe. It was supposed to keep the gown hidden until the right moment, ensuring that no one would know what I was truly wearing beneath it.

I checked out the bowl of bright orange Rooibos. The leaves glowed like the setting sun, their earthy, sweet aroma filling the air with warmth and comfort.

If I remembered correctly, Chef Foo said that Rooibos was rich in antioxidants and known to support heart health.

Hmmm.

Across from me a yellow bowl contained Chamomile. The tiny, dried flowers looked like drops of sunshine.

I used to drink it to help with stress and keep my nerves calm.

We need calm today. Lei and Leo in the same room will have everyone on edge.

I pointed to that bowl. “Let’s add some Chamomile.”

Lan nodded, reaching for the bowl.

I looked at her. “What other ingredients do you think I should put in?”

When she brought it over to me, the delicate scent of chamomile filled the space. “The Grand Mistress mentioned Hibiscus but you already grabbed that.”

“Oh really?”

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