“Quit undoing it before I finish! I could have fixed it,” Marco replied.
Ro asked with an inquisitive look, “What’s that about?” Gesturing toward the hall to the kitchen.
“Alaina has been teaching Marco how to cook. Or, more accurately, yelling when he does something wrong, then using her time turning magic to undo it so he can start again,” Dante answered. “We have enough food supplies, but I have to say, Iappreciate her frugality. Marco hasn’t spent very much time in kitchens. Or being told he’s not the best at something.” My love grinned.
“He hasn’t returned to his kingdom yet?” Dae asked.
Dante put his arm over the back of my chair. “He says they can run things pretty smoothly without him. Actually, he’s been instrumental in helping us reestablish things here in Argora Vale. We’ve decided to follow his kingdom’s model for leadership, thinking it would be the most beneficial now that magical and non-magical folk are blending within our borders.”
“So, does that make you officially a king, then?” Ro asked, chewing her orange.
“I told him he should be,” Calista called from the other side of the room.
Dante gave a soft laugh. “No, no. I’ll help build this place up again, but I don’t want that kind of mantle.” My love glanced at my stomach, softly running his hand over it. “I have other priorities.” His beautiful, golden brown gaze flicked to me.
I melted under his touch, staring into his loving eyes. Somehow, I found myself growing more in love with him every day. He was still protective, don’t get me wrong, but with the stress of the curse not looming over our heads, I could see him finding enjoyment in our life instead of worry.
“How’s Jai doing?” Dae asked. His brother had come to Argora Vale after Ravinder had been made king, and remained here.
“He’s been awesome. He volunteers to travel to other cities on both sides of the border, assessing how they’re fairing and reporting back. Says he learned a lot from his brother,” Dante replied.
Ro placed a gentle hand on Dae’s arm. “He seems happy here. We visited him before coming over today. I think this is good for him.”
“It is. He needs to settle down, to experience a life with safety and freedom. Thank you for letting him get involved,” Dae said.
Dante lifted his hand off the table in a small wave. “Don’t mention it.”
Marco emerged from the hallway wearing a stained apron, carrying a tray of seasoned vegetables. “Can someone else try this and tell me that itisedible?Somepeople don’t seem to think it’s good enough.” Marco set the tray down, and a few brave souls took a bite. Not me. I’d learned my lesson with Jasper.
Ro scrunched her face. “Why are these carrots sour?”
Marco stood frozen solid for a moment before storming off into the kitchen. “Fine!” he huffed. “Let’s start again.”
Alaina poked her head out from the hallway. “Sorry. Princes aren’t used to being given honest feedback, so he’s been…resistant.”
“That smile on your face tells me you’re enjoying it,” I teased.
“Maybe.” She winked before disappearing back into the kitchen.
“So, what’s the deal with them?” Dae asked.
“We don’t know, and we choose to stay out of it.” Dante leaned forward and plucked a few grapes from the platter, offering me some.
Jasper groaned loudly in frustration and stormed out of the connected parlor. Calista sat up and saw the audience she’d gained. “What? I can’t let him win all the time.”
“Or ever,” Hu chided.
“He’ll never get better if I don’t push him.” Calista stood and strode over to the table, picking at the fresh fruit platter.
“Calista is heading back to Highcrest, too,” I mentioned to Ro and Dae.
“Yeah, I keep tabs on those who remain in Solei.” She shrugged and bit into a crunchy grape.
“And a certain lady baker enjoys your visits too,” Dante teased.
I perked up at the mention. “Oh, are you seeing Jesinine? Will you bring back some of her cookies?”
With a cheek full of fruit, Calista replied, “Pretty sure you and that baby single-handedly keep her in business. But yes, I’ll pack a goodie bag when I come back.” Calista leaned down and kissed the top of my head.
