Page 3 of Tempting the Fae Lord
“But everything smells so good, and I’m starving.”
“Poor thing.”
“I can’t help if you’re the best cook that ever lived.” I slurp down the slightly less molten jam and moan.
“Flattery, is it?”
“If that gets me more jelly candies, yes.” She’s got to be part witch for how magical they taste.
“I’m saving them for our guests’ supper tonight, but the midday meal is spread on the buffet in the dining room. Now, get out of my kitchen, young man, and take all ten of those thieving fingers with you.”
I smack a kiss onto her cheek. “Thanks, Eulie.”
“Git.” She swats my bum with the flat side of her knife.
I git.
Normally, by this time in the afternoon, I’d have already eaten. I might settle down in my room to read or even take a nap. I like a good nap so it’s easier to stay up late. Better chance of catching a moment’s time with the Gatekeeper.
He only comes out at night, and often not even then.
But today, the cold front demands I eat quickly and get right back to work. The fortress is big enough for hundreds to live within its walls, but only two dozen or so call it home at any given time, so there’s much to do between us.
I don’t get a break until after supper, which we’d often eat together, though tonight sees us drifting in and out whenever chores allow.
After the work is done, those of us with any energy left to spare gather in the game room. It’s a smaller crew than usual, as it’s been a long day, and the others have gone to bed. But I can’t, not yet. I’ll wait to see if the Gatekeeper graces us with his presence.
Outside, a steady stream of ice plinks off every surface, but inside, the braziers burn gold and orange, a fire crackles in the hearth, and a stack of multicolored quilts waits to keep us warm. Those plus hot stones for our feet and warmed spiced wine to drink, all for our comfort. I’m more than ready to enjoy the luxury.
Amaris grabs the chessboard, raises her brows, and sets her gaze firmly on me. “Play me, Gale. I’m feeling lucky.”
“Yes, but first let’s all go over the list.” I gather Amaris, Marissa, and Jack. “Have we pulled all the shutters?”
“Yes,” they chorus.
“Closed the drapes over drafty windows?”
“Yes.”
“Stocked the firewood?”
“Yes.”
“Prepared bedchamber hearths? Swept the ash? Laid the kindling?”
“Yes, yes, and yes.”
“Even in the guest quarters?”
“Yes, even in the guest quarters.”
“All right.” I give them a sleepy grin. “We can play some games.”
“Finally.” Amaris huffs, eyes sparkling with mischief as she sets up the game on a short wooden table. “I want to be the white marble pieces. You can be the obsidian.”
I suppose it’s my time to pay up on our deal and do a bit of losing. “As you wish.” We sit on plush silk pillows, she cross-legged, I with my long legs sprawled to the side.
Meanwhile, Marissa and Jack sit at a table of regular height to play Essin—my favorite. I glare at their normal chairs with all that legroom enviously.
