The Crown's Fire - Chapter 150

Chapter 150: Cooking
Ezme and Atlas arrived just in time for dinner. Atlas’s parents welcomed them warmly, and Ezme greeted them with a curt bow.

“It’s been a while, and I’m glad you agreed to stay for some time,” Atlas’s mother said, kissing Ezme on the cheek. They were then ushered straight to dinner.

As expected, it was more like a feast than a simple dinner. Fortunately, Ezme was already accustomed to eating a lot of human food, thanks to Atlas, who loved having her join him for every meal.

“I cooked all of your favorites, Son. I’m sure you’ve been missing them,” Duchess Dona commented.

Atlas smiled widely. “That’s true, Mother. The cook in Ezekiel’s palace can’t compare to your dishes at all.”

Ezme simply observed the familiar banter within the family, realizing just how much Atlas loved food. “These are all your favorites?” she asked.

Duchess Dona laughed. “You see, Atlas used to cry a lot when he was a kid. His sister Dani loved to tease him and make him cry, but it turned out he was someone you could easily appease with food. Dani would often offer him something to eat, and he’d stop being angry with her.”

Ezme smiled, thinking about how food had played such a significant role in their family dynamics. It made her feel even more connected to them and gave her a new appreciation for the simple joys that bound them together.

Ezme wondered why it hadn’t occurred to her to cook Atlas his favorite dishes. But she wasn’t much of a cook.

“A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and that’s how my sweet Dona here managed to win my heart,” Duke George teased his wife.

“Really?” Ezme asked curiously, thinking she should try that with Atlas, who undeniably loved eating.

“Yes, you see… this man is actually quite difficult,” Duchess Dona said, laughing. “Atlas inherited that from George. You never know what’s going on in his head, and he rarely talks. I remember him frowning often and he rarely smiled.”

“Oh, you’re truly like Atlas then!” Ezme agreed with a nod, making Dona chuckle.

“I guess I am,” Duke George said nonchalantly, maintaining a serious expression. Ezme and her mother-in-law exchanged glances and then both chuckled.

Dinner went smoothly, as expected. After the meal, Atlas went to have a private talk with his father about matters concerning the manor and the kingdom.

Ezme and her mother-in-law, Duchess Dona, settled for their usual tea time. However, this time, the servant brought Ezme a cup of fresh animal blood instead of tea.

“Atlas told us to serve you this while you stay here,” Dona commented with a smile.

“Oh, it’s fine. I can simply hunt on my own, so you don’t have to bother,” Ezme replied with an awkward smile. In the past, she didn’t care much about what others thought and did whatever she wanted, but things had changed. She wanted Atlas’s family to like and love her.

“You can hunt anytime you want, but if you ever feel lazy, just ask the servant assigned to you for fresh animal blood,” Dona insisted.

Ezme meekly nodded, knowing Atlas understood her well, especially her tendency to be lazy when it came to hunting for her own meal.

“Mother, can I ask for your help?” Ezme finally brought up, feeling a bit nervous.

“Of course, dear. What do you need help with?” Dona asked warmly.

“Well, I’ve been thinking… I don’t really know how to cook, but I’d love to learn how to make some of Atlas’s favorite dishes. Could you teach me?” Ezme asked, her voice soft but earnest.

Dona’s face lit up with a smile. “I would love to help you with that! It’s a wonderful idea, and I’m sure Atlas will appreciate it. We can start tomorrow morning if you’d like.”

Ezme felt a wave of relief and excitement wash over her. “Thank you, Mother. I really want to do something special for him.”

Dona reached out and patted Ezme’s hand. “You’re already special to him, my dear. But learning to cook his favorite dishes will surely make him very happy.”

Ezme smiled, feeling more at ease. “I hope so. I want to show him how much I care.”

“You’re doing just that,” Dona said reassuringly. “Now, let’s enjoy our tea and blood and make some plans for tomorrow.”

****

Morning came, and Ezme found herself in the kitchen early, eager to learn from her mother-in-law, Duchess Dona. Dona was accommodating and patient, making the experience enjoyable for Ezme.

Meanwhile, Atlas woke up later than usual, feeling groggy from the late night intimate exercises he had spent with Ezme. He quickly cleaned up and got dressed, shaking his head at how uncharacteristically tardy he had become.

Last night, they had ended up indulging in each other’s company far more than he had anticipated. Atlas blushed, still astounded by how sexually insatiable he had become around her.

Heading directly to the kitchen to grab something to eat before returning to the capital city, he was surprised to find it empty except for Ezme, who had flour and charcoal stains on her face.

“What’s going on?” he burst out, taking in the chaotic scene.

“Oh, I’m practicing cooking, so I dismissed everyone for a while,” Ezme replied with a bright smile. “You just woke up. Perfect timing! I’m almost finished. Go sit down, and I’ll prepare you breakfast.”

Atlas followed her instructions, sitting at the table and looking around at the mess. He felt a pang of sympathy for the kitchen staff who would have to clean up later.

“Here, try this noodle soup,” Ezme said, placing a bowl in front of him. She sat beside him, watching intently as he took his first sip. Atlas’s facial muscles flinched slightly, but he took another sip and then a mouthful of the noodles.

“How is it?” Ezme asked.

“It’s good, Ezme. I like it,” he genuinely replied. The soup was perfect, from the flavorful base to the tender beef, noodles, and vegetables. Before he knew it, he had finished the bowl.

“Do you want more?” Ezme asked, and he nodded. She grabbed his bowl and walked to the pot to get more. Atlas instinctively stood and followed her, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

“I have to leave today, so feel free to have fun here and do things you enjoy. I’ll try to come back whenever I can,” he said, surprised at how naturally the words came to him.

She turned to face him and said, “But you’ll get exhausted traveling back and forth. Don’t worry, I’ll come to see you once in a while and bring you delicious meals. Traveling is easier for me than it is for you.”

Atlas stared at her as she spoke enthusiastically, his eyes drawn to her beautiful lips. Unable to resist, he leaned in and sealed her lips with a kiss, craving her more than anything in the world.