Page 114 of Enchanted Kingdom
I was reading a book in my bed, or trying to, so he came and sat at the foot of the bed.
He let out a breath. “I’m sorry.”
I glanced up from my book to his green eyes. “For what?”
“For how that all played out,” Owen said softly. “Krew honestly only mentioned it in passing this morning, trying to make sure we were safe on our trips.”
I shook my head. “And he also doesn’t like me near the orphanage.”
Owen cocked his head and thought a moment. “Not because you love the children, Jorah. Just for safety reasons.”
I didn’t want to agree to disagree, so I looked back down at my book, trying to find my spot.
“Wanna go for a walk?” he offered.
I shook my head.
“Rage bake?”
I again shook my head.
“Leave some food for our wolf friend?”
Dammit.He had to suggest the one thing I couldn’t say no to.
* * *
We leftthe food for the wolf and then I found myself standing off the kitchen doorway with Owen, watching the staff prepare for the evening meal. Kitchens relaxed me. Yes, they were busy and overrunning with noises and smells, but the routine of it all reminded me of home.
I found the baker I had shared the massive kitchen with before. “Do you need any help baking today?”
She gave me a look like she thought a bigger fool could not be found.
“You?!” a loud man with a booming voice asked. “With those pretty little tiny hands?” His laughter mocked me further.
I squinted at him. “Give me a job and I’ll show you these tiny hands are perfectly capable.”
The first woman held up her finger. “She’s the one that made the dinner rolls with cinnamon. We could serve them with the fillet de boeuf, then you would have time to do the carrots the way the king likes them.” She looked at me. “We would need four times the amount you just made. Can you do that?”
“I halved the recipe, so yes, I’ll just double it.”
The large man with the loud voice squinted at me. “Tiny hands here was the one?”
I lifted my chin. “If you are done patronizing me, I can prove it.”
He swatted at the air as if I was a fly annoying him. “Fine. Go.”
I got to work. I was still irritated. But if I was going to be kept locked away from the king, at least I could do something helpful.
* * *
“Tiny!”
I looked at Owen and rolled my eyes. He just took a drink of his water and smirked.
“Yes,chef?” I asked with heavy sarcasm.
“These are delightful,” he said while chewing a warm roll. “Should the king ask for more, I will have to demand the recipe.”
