Page 29 of To Wake a Kingdom

He gave me a crooked smile that hooked into my skin, drawing me in like a spool of thread. As if sensing my indecision, he held my gaze for several fire-laced heartbeats before turning back to his companions. Taking it as my cue to disappear, I retreated to the warm darkness of my room.

My hand pressed to my heart, I took in several deep breaths to calm the way my pulse barreled through my chest like a cannon blasting through plywood.

They had to leave. I was too caught up in something that had no chance, no matter how much I hoped for it. This was not my fate.Hewas not my destiny. Ronan’s presence had already diverted me too far from my task.

Down in the kitchen, I found Gideon standing in front of the stove, a large pot and a frying pan sizzling over the fire. Kianna chopped herbs at the counter.

“Your Highness.” Gideon turned his warm smile to me as his brown eyes twinkled. “Lunch will be ready soon.”

“Gideon, you don’t need to cook for me and Kianna.”

“Ah, Your Highness, I know that. However, I do need to cook for the commander and the others. It is nothing to feed you and Lady Kianna, as well. Besides, she’s a very good helper.” Kianna flashed him a grin.

“Will you teach me a few things before you all leave?”

Gideon’s face lit up, and his smile tugged at my heart.

“Your Highness, it would be an honor.” Eyes shining, he retrieved an apron and handed it to me with such reverence, I had to look away from the outpouring of emotion. He set me to work, demonstrating how to season the fish, slice and fry onions, and how to measure and knead the bread.

Much like training with Ronan, this too was gratifying. Getting my hands dirty and learning to fend for myself dispelled some of my despair. I’d believed myself entirely helpless, but maybe I was more capable than I realized. Covered in flour and grease, I felt lighter than I had in weeks.

Gideon was preparing a sauce for dinner, and I sampled the glossy, dark gravy. It was buttery and rich, and I groaned. “Marry me, Gideon.”

Ronan, Em, and Noah all filed into the room then, laughing at my proposal.

“What are you up to, old man? Stealing the princess’s heart?” Noah asked as he sat at the table.

“That would be most improper, Your Highness,” Gideon stammered, his face crimson.

“There are no more rules, Gideon,” I replied with a smirk. “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

“You say that about everything.” The pride was evident in his voice.

“I can’t help if it’s true,” I said, taking another taste.

“C’mon, Gid, you two would make an adorable match.” Ronan grinned, slapping the older man on the back.

“Sir, I—”

Ronan laughed and reached a hand toward me. I flinched as I gave him a suspicious look. Eyebrows lifted, he touched a finger to my cheek, and it came away with a drop of sauce on the tip.

Why was there sauce on my face?

“You had something there, Little Lion.”

Ronan’s eyes fused to mine as he placed his finger in his mouth and sucked off the sauce, teasing me with a wicked gleam in his eyes. The movement sent a shivering pulse across my skin, vibrations making my nerves spark and flare like candlewicks. He had put his tunic back on, muscles straining against the thin cloth, and I shoved down an inappropriate surge of disappointment.

“What’s for lunch? I’m starving,” Em asked, pouring herself a glass of water.

“Gideon is showing me how to cook, so we aren’t helpless after you leave.”

Darkness swirled in Ronan’s eyes, his demeanor shifting to the predator I remembered from the night I’d first seen him in Tenby. All dark shadows and hard angles, his lightness fell away. He didn’t want to return to Estria without news of their king, but perhaps he was hiding more. I didn’t know what was at stake for him if he failed. Regardless, I couldn’t let him find the answers he sought. It was better if they all left as soon as possible.

A bell dinged, and I jumped up. “My bread!”

A puff of black smoke greeted me as I opened the oven door. Coughing and waving it with a potholder, I pulled out the pan. The loaf wasn’t exactly black, but it was considerably darker than intended. I exchanged a glance with Gideon, feeling defeated. Not two minutes ago, I’d been so sure I could do this. Gideon must have registered the devastation on my face, because he summoned a beaming smile.

“I’m sure it’s delicious, Your Highness. Slice it up, and we’ll all try some.” Gideon gestured to everyone like he was conducting an orchestra. “Princess Thorne’s very first loaf of bread.”

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