That night, Daphne decided to try.
She hadn't cooked in a long time. Not since the early months of her pregnancy, when standing for too long made her dizzy and every scent felt too strong.
Tonight, she decided to cook for him.
She kept it simple. A warm stew, seasoned carefully. well-seasoned. Bread still soft from the oven. One small side dish she knew Alaric liked, one he always pretended not to notice, even as he finished every bite.
Alice tasted it first, her brows lifting in surprise. "Princess," she said honestly, "this is very good."
Kira nodded after a bite, already reaching for more. "The General will like this. He'll pretend he doesn't, but he will."
Daphne smiled, a little shy, and nervous. Their praise encouraged her more than she expected.
Nathaniel, thankfully, went to sleep early. When the nannies assured her he was settled, the maids excused her, leaving the chambers quiet.
She set the table herself.
