On the way back up to our quarters, I took a slight detour through the main castle kitchens.
The heat of the massive iron hearths hit me the moment I pushed through the heavy wooden doors, accompanied by the mouth-watering aromas of roasting garlic, fresh thyme, and baking bread. Head Cook Martha turned around, a large wooden spoon held mid-air, but the moment her eyes landed on me, a soft, indulgent chuckle escaped her lips.
At this point, the kitchen staff didn't even bother questioning me when I wandered in asking for raw supplies. They had long since learned that trying to stop the Queen from cooking her own dinner was a losing battle.
"What are we making tonight, Your Grace?" Martha asked with an easy, fond smile, stepping aside to give me access to the fresh pantry.
"Just somethi
