Page 49 of Royal Bite
Stormey relaxed, slightly relieved. Then if everyone was wondering why Hegna was resistant to mating with her, hopefully that concern would be gone. With what had happened in the sparring room, Stormey had a feeling deep in her stomach things were going to be changing.
Another strong gust of wind blew by. They picked up their pace, soon making it to the castle. Stormey smiled and acknowledged everyone they passed. They headed up to the third level of the tower her quarters were in. They arrived at her door. She spun toward him.
“Thank you, Desmond,” she said.
“For what, my lady?” His eyebrows rose in shock.
“For everything. For protecting me, listening to me when I’m rambling about things, and for be honest with me. I appreciate it.” She was sure he hadn’t heard that much since this was his job. He had dedicated his life to the crown, serving Hegna, and now protecting her. It was expected of him, but she wanted to ensure he knew how she felt about him.
“It is my honor, my lady.” He gave her a deep bow and thumped his fist over his heart.
She’d seen other warriors do the same to Hegna. She placed her hand over her heart and smiled, disappearing into her quarters. She shut the door behind her and leaned back against the wood. The scent of cleaning solutions filled the air, alerting her that the housekeepers had been in her room.
Stormey headed toward her bathroom. She’d shower quickly then go down to the kitchen. She entered the bathroom and passed the mirrors over the sinks. She paused and took in her smile.
Mid-afternoon fighting and sex must have been what she needed. Now she understood vampires a little better. Her adrenaline had already been high, and then to be taken higher on the waves of an orgasm, she was still riding the wave.
Would Hegna come to her again? Would she send for Stormey?
Stormey had meant what she had said. She would do whatever she had to do in order to win Hegna over.
Stormey kneaded the dough and folded it over. Tonight, she wanted to make something savory and filling for everyone and she had a hankering for breakfast. Sausage, biscuits, and gravy were on the menu. It was easy to make, and it helped that the castle’s kitchen had a well-stocked pantry.
“Everyone is loving the meal, my lady.” Ayah breezed back in the kitchen. She smiled and came to stand next to Stormey.
“Really?” It pleased her to know that people enjoyed what she cooked.
“Breakfast is a hit.” Ayah laughed. She wiped her brow with the back of her hand. “I’ll go start working on the new batch of sausage gravy for the next wave.” She spun around and headed over to the fridge.
Stormey reached over for her biscuit cutter so she could throw these biscuits in the oven.
“You’re going to put me out of a job.” Val laughed. He stood on the other side of the counter where she was working.
“Oh, I doubt it. My cooking isn’t as gourmet as yours. Mine is home cooking.” She giggled. She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen. It had allowed her to feel needed and connect with all of the human employees. It was important for her to show that she cared, and it helped with relations between humans and vampires.
At least once she mated with Hegna.
“I’m not sure if anyone told you, but there will be a dinner with the local human leaders and the princess,” Val started.
Stormey tried to hide her surprise. Not that she was kept in the loop on all workings of the castle. If she was going to be running the castle as the mate of the princess, she needed to know these things and be included.
Stormey didn’t know if she should speak with Corbin or Hegna herself.
“Okay.” She began cutting the biscuits and placing them on the awaiting pan. She didn’t want Val to feel guilty that he’d spilled the beans on something that she may not have been included in on purpose.
“And I was wondering if you wanted to help with the planning of the meals. Something that would be welcoming.”
“What’s the occasion?” she asked. She had a few ideas and wasn’t sure if this was a standard meeting or if they were coming to discuss a problem.
“Well, from what I understand, to meet you, the mate of the princess, and to discuss the lycan issue.” Val pulled a small notebook from his pocket on his jacket and set it down on the counter.
“Oh, so an important meal. We should probably do something fancy.” She paused and looked over at him. She wasn’t sure what they had in their deep freezer stores.
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking you wouldn’t want something too fancy that was like a brag. Most humans can barely get by.” At least all of the people she knew. She didn’t know what how well-off the mayor was or any other local leaders.
“I see your point. Maybe we should do seafood. Something that can be caught fresh in the lakes.” He scribbled notes down on the paper.
