Page 87 of My Haven
He nodded and opened the door for her. “After you, my lady.”
She walked in and was surprised how quiet it was. “Caiden, are they open?”
“They are for us,” he replied.
“Caiden Ironwood, get out here so I can see you!” A voice yelled out.
Caiden pulled her into the main room. “Hey Dav!”
A tall, slightly older, looking fae walked over and pulled her away from Caiden before kissing her cheek. “It’s not enough theyoungsters from Éire Danu are getting mated, but you warriors are coming from other cities to rub it in,” Dav complained.
“She’s so wonderful, how could I help showing her off,” Caiden said, pulling her back over to him.
“If you like our food this much, maybe you should transfer to Éire Danu,” a familiar voice called out.
“Aeson, I didn’t know you’d join in,” Caiden said, laughing. “Genevieve, this is Aeson, Aedan’s brother. He helped cook the other night for our pop-up event.”
Genevieve shook Caiden’s hand off, then grabbed Aeson’s. “Thank you, so much. That boar had to be one of the best meals of my life.”
Aeson preened. “I got some tips from Gilheim on how to cook it.”
Caiden pulled their hands apart.
“Who’s Gilheim?” she asked.
“The goblin who killed the boar for us,” Aeson explained, hip bumping Caiden away from them. “Come sit down. Even some of the squires wanted to help. I have to admit, I’m a bit envious of your menu.”
Aeson pulled out her chair, while Caiden shook his head at the fae. “I tolerate you because you have helped me spoil my mate.”
Aeson raised a brow. “As if you aren’t also anticipating the meal?” He pulled out his phone. “I had many people beg me to take care of you for a change. This meal is for the both of you.”
Caiden looked dumbfounded. “Who?”
“When they caught wind of your plans, your entire unit, our former queen, her consort and of course our new king all made requests on your behalf,” Aeson said, ticking off a list. “According to them the two of you deserve a nice meal that you didn’t have to cook and since both of you are amazing cooks, eating out just anywhere would be hard.” He waved hishand around the bar. “Luckily finding good food here isn’t that difficult.”
Genevieve sat back as plate after plate was served. It was a smorgasbord of the most eclectic selections. It was as if each contributor simply made the dish, they were best at. There was everything from thinly sliced venison to perfectly baked bread. Dav brought out his fish and chips and his famous beer.
All too soon their lunch was over. She sat back in her chair, rubbing her belly. “I don’t think I’ve ever been fed this well in my life.” She sighed. “I wish we could live here.”
Caiden groaned and rubbed his own belly. “If we lived here, I wouldn’t be able to move.”
The men all gathered round to say goodbye. She kissed each one on the cheek making them all blush. “I’d love to visit sometime and learn how to make some of these dishes. I don’t know what I can share, but I am up to speed on the latest nutritional science.”
The man she met named Leo stepped forward. “Ari and Brie told me that there is science as to why some people don’t like cilantro.”
She nodded. “It’s because of a variation of the OR6A2 olfactory receptor gene. It influences how that person perceives the chemicals in cilantro. Those who have this gene, taste soap,” she explained.
Leo’s mouth dropped open. “I would love to learn more about this type of food science.”
The other squires who helped with the meal crowded around, all wanting to hear more too.
She held up a hand. “I will happily trade knowledge, for the occasional help feeding the children in the orphanage in Storm Keep. Right now, they are suffering from malnutrition. The director says as long as no money changes hands, I can have the children ‘test’ my food for me.”
The men went from smiling, to stone faced in seconds. Aeson spoke first. “They are starving?” He looked to Caiden, who raised his hands. “You know the red tape I’m working with. In addition to the age-old law about personal funds used for public works, I have the Witches’ Council to dance around. Genevieve’s suggestion bypasses most of that.”
“Lady Genevieve, my name is Kyrn Vi’Evlyer, I am the squire serving House Eirson. The children in my care are only just now starting to overcome the detriments of living with starvation. I will gladly help in any way I can, if you could suggest meals to help further build them up.”
Genevieve glared at Caiden. “Children are treasures, my ass!”
