Savory swooped off her shoulder, landing lightly on the end of the island, eyeing the cakes.
“No, you can’t have any sweets,” Sasha told her companion with a touch of indulgence in her voice. “You know they give you gas.”
I could swear the bird scowled.
The staff watched the interaction intently, as if this was the most wonderful thing to happen in the kitchen for months. And maybe it was.
Sasha studied the cakes. “They’re all so pretty. How will I pick?” She sighed. “I almost hate to eat them and ruin their beauty.” Her smile swept across the staff watching raptly. “But there’s no way I’m leaving this kitchen without eating at least one.” She carefully took three, placing them on the plate, then lifted one and popped it into her mouth.
The moan she released, followed by closing her eyes and swaying in place made heat shoot to my groin.
My cock jolted as if she’d reached into my pants and glided her finger down the length.
I’d been attracted to my bride from the moment I met her, but I hadn’t expected I’d need to suppress my arousal for her in the castle’s kitchens while discussing cakes.
It was all I could do to remain still and keep my expressionneutral as Sasha ate the three cakes, moaning through them.
The kitchen staff beamed. A few nodded my way in approval.
This witch was fitting in well with my people already.
Watching her charm them so effortlessly made my chest feel bruised on the inside. I was falling hard, something that would be expected with a fated mate. I’d known that detail from the moment we touched.
But her focus on the questions felt like proof that for her, this was all duty.
“Could you tell me how you prepare the tea?” Sasha asked, gazing at the pile of cakes as if she wanted to eat another three.
I wasn’t sure my body could take much more of her moaning. I kept picturing myself kissing her, tasting the bit of sweetness left in her mouth, and savoring the moans she might release in response to my touch instead.
“I’m particularly interested in how you know the right amount of leaves to place in each pot,” she said. “And other details, such as, do you strain the tea or allow it to remain in the water?”
Alaina urged Sasha to settle on the stool at the counter. Once she’d sat, Alaina placed more cakes on the small plate.
I stiffly walked over to sit near Sasha, trying not to notice how sweet she smelled, like vanilla and sugar, and how that strand of hair remained on her face, just begging for me to slide it back behind her ear.
Alaina launched into an enthusiastic explanation about the kitchen’s tea preparation rituals. I forced my attention away from Sasha’s lips and tried to focus on what was being said.
“We start with the dried leaves, of course,” Alaina said,gesturing to one of her staff members who hurried to retrieve several tins from a cupboard. “The timing of the harvest matters enormously. Too early and the flavor lacks depth. Too late and it becomes bitter.”
“Fascinating,” Sasha said, leaning forward with genuine interest. “And how do you determine the perfect moment?” She placed another cake in her mouth.
I did my best not to notice how much she enjoyed it.
“Experience, mostly,” Alaina said. “Though there are signs to watch for. The color of the leaves, their texture, even the way they smell when you crush them between your fingers.”
I watched Sasha absorb this information, cataloging it in that systematic way of hers. She was building a picture, piece by piece, though I still wasn’t exactly sure what she was looking for. Her efficiency drew me in deeper, but it also contained a subtle sting, because it suggested she saw me as an ally in this investigation, not a man she might want beyond my throne’s demands.
Although, she had hinted she might one day want more, and that gave me heart. I’d show her I could match her competence, be the king worthy of everything.
“And the storage?” Sasha asked. “I imagine that’s important too.”
“Absolutely critical,” Alaina said, warming to the subject. She retrieved and set several tins on the counter, opening one to show us the contents. “We keep them sealed tight, away from light and moisture. Each variety gets its own tin, properly labeled.”
Sasha nodded. “Do you prepare large batches at once, or smaller amounts throughout the day?”
“Depends on the day’s needs,” Alaina said. “For regular meals, we prepare enough for several pots at a time. But forspecial occasions or when guests request specific blends, we make individual portions.”
“And this morning?” I asked, seeing where Sasha’s questions were leading. “Was breakfast tea prepared in advance or fresh?”
