Page 140 of Frost and Death
As I enter the kitchen, I am met with silence as the two cooks I’ve come to know enjoy their peaceful work of preparing well-seasoned dishes for the castle.
“Your Majesty!” Cordelia beams when she sees me, lowering into a small curtsy. I am surprised by her sudden formality but bristle when she adds, “My king.”
A knife clatters against Ophelia’s workstation as she turns faster than I think she anticipated, almost losing her balance as she slumps into a curtsy.
I don’t move to look behind me, aware of Jerrick’s body heat surrounding me. I hate being caught off guard, especially in the mornings when I’ve had little sleep.
Jerrick’s footsteps inch closer to me, and I ignore his advancing presence by walking farther into the kitchen, past the two stone hearths to the small table at the far right side of the room.
The dark oak table sits low to the ground with matching benches pushed in to keep the space tidy.
Pulling out a bench to sit quietly, I try to follow the routine I’ve adopted during my time here in Palaena, hopeful to ease some of the anxiety for Ophelia and Cordelia about Jerrick’s presence.
Reaching for food on the table, I take in the various types of bread, cheeses, and wines, putting most of my efforts into sifting through the loaves closest to me, wanting to find the freshest slice first.
Ophelia stands closer to Cordelia, brushing Cordelia’s long curly blonde locks away from her face, protectively wrapping an arm around her.
Cordelia looks up at Ophelia with mystery playing along her lips, her hands fidgeting with nervousness.
But Jerrick joins me, pulling out the bench and folding his hands, his stare melting into the top of my head. His inhalation has me scrambling for words to keep calm under his gaze.
I am not late in meeting him in the library, so I cannot understand why he is joining me in the kitchen. Still, I keep my shoulders squared, wondering if he wanted extra food.
Yet I’m too shy to ask, opting to speak to my friends instead.
“What are you planning for supper tonight, Ophelia?” I pick up loaves and rolls, testing each one for warmth to choose the freshest for myself to enjoy.
There is a brief pause between the four of us when a low grunt comes from the two women followed shortly after by a stammering Ophelia. “R-Roasted venison and onion soup.”
I toss a few rolls between my hands that have similar heat levels, and I decide to eat both.
“Y-Your Majesty,” Ophelia’s light voice chimes again.
I tense as my title drops from a friend’s lips, and I can’t stop the scowl forming along my features, wishing they were not intimidated by Jerrick.
He wears his mask as king around most staff and people, letting their own horrendous gossip scare them and keep them in line. But I wish there could be a day when we both didn’t have to feel the need to do that.
I reach for a butter knife and cut a sliver of cheese from the block.
“Would you like us to set some food in the main dining room, Your Majesty?”
Cordelia’s frail voice fills the void.
Again, the mention of my title.
I stop midway through my routine to look at Cordelia and Ophelia, hoping I can ease their trepidation. “No, I only want to indulge first before making a tray for the library.”
I grab a roll and add the slice of cheese. Bringing the food to my mouth, the smells surround my nose. I moan contentedly and close my eyes as I chew the soft bread paired with cheese.
The tastes explode in my mouth, the yeast, spices, and cheese all blending together to send my taste buds into a frenzy.
When my eyes do open, Jerrick’s now-heated glare meets them.
I swallow. “Exceptional as always, my friends,” I say brightly, taking another bite of my food.
They clasp their hands in a small cheer before Jerrick whirls on them, ceasing their joy. The women lower into another curtsy and return to their workstations.
My jaw slows from their reactions to Jerrick, worried I’ve altered their mood and working conditions. Rising from the table, I brush the wrinkles from my dress and push in the bench, tidying any messes I created.
