Page 93 of Frost Bound

Loshika’s lips curled. “You’re something else,reilleve.”

“So I’ve heard.” She looped her arm through the healer’s once again and pushed through the large doors.

It was almost comical how large the kitchen was. Sinks lined the parallel wall with a fireplace that she could fit her whole bed into at the end of the room. Four square iron stoves lined the same wall as the doors, with copper pots hanging from the ceiling. An immense rectangular butcher block—more like a table that could’ve sat eight people on each side—stood in the center with fruits and veggies hanging from the ceiling above it. Simple wooden benches sat under each side.

A maid spotted them first, squeaking and dropping a bowl. It clanged against the floor.

The head cook had his back to them, stirring something in a pot hanging from the hearth. He shouted something in Loriian but didn’t turn away from his task. The maid curtsied and scrambled to pick up the empty copper bowl. More eyes fell upon Lia, and all productivity halted as they bowed. The cook growled something and spun around, his eyes widening a fraction.

“The first time that someone is gaping at you and not at my scars,” Lo muttered, humor in her voice.

“My lady,” he said in heavily accented common tongue. He sketched a low bow. “What do we owe this…” He trailed off, brow furrowing in thought. “…honor?”

She grinned at the cook and the rest of the staff. “The honor is all mine, master cook. I know the heart of every home or palace is the kitchen.”

He blushed and pulled a towel from his pocket, dabbing his forehead. He waved it at the rest of the staff, who jumped back to work. The cook bustled from the far end of the room, his hands wringing the towel. “What can I assist you with,reilleve?”

“My healer and I have come for some dinner.”

“I can send a plate to your room.”

“That is kind, but I would prefer to eat my meal here and see your fine people at work, if it won’t be too much of a bother.”

His jaw dropped, and then he snapped it closed. “It’s not a problem, my lady.”

He pulled out a bench and dusted it off with his towel. Dahlia wrangled her skirt underneath the butcher block, and Loshika sat next to her. The cook started shouting directions in Loriian.

“What is he saying?” she whispered to Lo.

“To not disappoint the queen. I think he’s going to bring the entire larder out for you.”

That wouldn’t do. “Master cook?”

He smiled at her. “Yes,reilleve?”

“It is late. We do not need anything fancy. You and your people have worked hard and deserve your rest. Some bread and stew will be sufficient.”

“It shall be done.”

In no time at all, a hearty stew was before each of them, with thick crusty bread and creamy butter.

“Thank you. And please don’t pay any attention to us.”

He nodded, and slowly went back to his pot in the fire.

Lia felt all the glances of the kitchen staff, but it didn’t bother her. They were just curious. It was nothing malicious. They weren’t looking for flaws. She drained her bowl of stew in no time and stared at the bottom in longing.

“Would you like more?” a boy of maybe fifteen asked, his voice cracking.

She grinned at him. “Yes, I would.”

He refilled her bowl and placed it before her quickly. This time, Lia savored the soup, taking her time to observe the staff. There were only eight in the room, plus the cook. A skeleton crew, really. All were cleaning up for the night.

A maid scrubbed the other side of the butcher block, tossing furtive glances their way. Lia put her spoon back in the bowl. “What is your name?” she asked the girl.

The young giantess glanced around to make sure Dahlia was speaking to her. “Zadieve, but my friends call me Zadi.”

“Zadi!” the cook admonished.

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