Page 64 of Wayfinder
“It is an Earth dish called Chili—my grandmother’s recipe.
“And this?” He lifted the dish that had held the angel food cake. Only a smear of chocolate sauce remained.
“Angel food cake with chocolate sauce, another Earth dish.”
“Aptly named,” the Duke chuckled. “It was like eating a cloud.”
“Thank you.” This time, I didn’t attempt another awkward curtsey, simply bowing from the waist.
The Duke raised his glass, and the guests followed suit.
“To human chef Pearl and this wonderful food!”
The diners raised a glass in a toast, and faint grunts and whistles coming through my translator as “hear, hear.”
I managed another curt bow before the larger of the two guards offered his arm and turned us back toward the kitchen.
Deema and Aqsa lingered by the door, vibrating with excitement. Jutuk occupied his stool, appearing nonchalant at first glance. His eyes widened at my entrance, muscles tensing but relaxing when I issued a smile and a nod.
“Is the Duke really as handsome as they claim?”
“Was he nice?”
“Were you nervous?”
“What did he say about the food?”
Deema and Aqsa swarmed me the minute the guards retreated. I glanced at Jutuk for direction. My time in the dining room lasted only a few minutes, but the dinner was winding down. I didn’t spot a remaining bite of food on a single plate... and I looked.
He returned my gaze, the golden eyes holding such pride and affection I melted like ice cream on hot apple pie. His faint nod told me I had time to entertain the girls. I answered their excited questions and gave out hugs of goodbye, camouflaged as congratulations.
Jutuk was waiting by the storage room when I finally escaped.
“It’s okay, we still have time.” He promised, pulling me against him. “I’m very proud of you, and I can’t wait to give you, mycongratulations.”
I giggled at the insinuation. “Maybe you need to wait until we make it aboard the Bardaga, and you cancongratulateme for days.”
“That’s a promise.” Jutuk let his lips brush against mine, pulling me into the storage room and closing the door behind us.
As the barrier between slavery and freedom closed, I heard a ruckus. A slam followed by Deema and Aqsa’s frightened squeak and a high-pitched, angry voice I recognized immediately.
“Where is that bitch?”
Chapter 18 – Jutuk
Pearl jumped at the sound of the Baron’s voice, her eyes going wide with a mix of aggravation and trepidation.
“It will be alright,” I promised, pulling her into my arms, my lips brushing her forehead. I wanted to keep her there, safe from harm, but I couldn’t, not yet.
“Can’t we just leave?” The worry in her voice twisted something in my chest.
“Sadly, no,” I whispered. “As much as I hate it, we have to deal with the Baron. He would raise an alarm upon finding you missing that would hinder our escape.”
Pearl heaved a long, heavy sigh. Then she straightened her shoulders and raised her chin, fiery determination dancing in her blue eyes.
“Then let’s deal with the asshole.”
Goddess, this wonderful, brave, beautiful female!
