Chapter 14 Schemes

• The Next Day
• The warm kitchen air of the fortress was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat. Steam rose from the large pots bubbling atop the iron stove, and the steady crackle of burning firewood completed the tranquil atmosphere of early morning. Breakfast had already been prepared and served by the omegas, and although it wasn’t even ten o'clock, preparations for lunch were already underway.
• Misty had been there since dawn, as usual. A bowl of stew sat beside fresh bread, fruit, and a glass of juice. She arranged the tray with care, checking everything twice. This was Eulalia’s meal—an assignment Alaric had entrusted to her directly. Misty took the task seriously, even with a touch of fondness.