Nectar was startled awake as the carriage jerked to a stop. Still drowsy, she wiped the drool at the corner of her mouth, " Where am I "? It slowly came back to her as she realized she wasn't in her room.
Liam suddenly opened the door and the kids jumped out one by one. Nectar just leaned against the wall, too lazy to mouth. She frowned slightly as Liam poked her cheek, " Haven't you had enough sleep yet "? Nectar swatted his hand away, refusing to be woken up " Go away, Sleep stay ".
Liam chuckled as he continued poking her cheek, " If you say so, but you might miss lunch ". Nectar instantly opened her eyes, " Why didn't you say so "? She held her skirt up and jumped out of the carriage and stretched her hands out.
" What are we having "? Liam's smile didn't let up, " We're making it ". Nectar's smile instantly disappeared as she tried to step back into the carriage, " I'm going back to sleep ".
Liam blocked her path and pouted slightly, " Do you really want them to starve "? Nectar felt her brow twitch, [ When did he get so good at making me feel guilty ". Nectar sighed as she threw her head backwards, " Fine ".
She stepped back into the carriage and removed the puffy skirt, revealing the gray trousers underneath. She removed her gloves and packed her hair into a messy bun. She stretched out her hand from inside the carriage, " Give me your jacket ".
Liam frowned as he held his jacket, " What for "? Nectar rolled her eyes and shook her hand, " Do you want to eat or not "? Liam sighed in defeat as he took off the jacket and handed it over to her.
She jumped back down in a matter of seconds with his black jacket tied around her waist and levitating a green chest behind her and stretched, " Let's make barbecue ".
Liam tilted his head to the side, curious " What's that "? Nectar only smiled, " It'll be better if you taste it but its perfect for a cold afternoon like this ". Fauna and Tera had already set up a small tent par Liam's instructions and just watched as Nectar brought out the grill.
It wasn't anywhere near as fine as the one she'd used in her second life but considering her inability to draw it clearly or explain how it looked properly, she felt satisfied. Nectar smiled to herself as she searched the open field, " I just need a surprise ingredient ".
Dodwen had no idea who's idea it was to let the chefs go ahead. At first, it seemed like a good idea since his dinner would be sure but he never thought of lunch. The other nobles had prepared theirs before hand but it didn't taste the same.
Dodwen had always been a picky eater and he liked his food hot when it was supposed to be. He couldn't do that though cos it would be insulting the consorts and Suki San had a very fiery temper.
He pushed the food away and sighed [ Who can save me from this flavorless nightmare? ] as if on cue, he saw Nectar beckoning to him from beside a tree. At first, he thought she was trying to invite Eros who was having lunch with Athena but the glare she gave him said otherwise.
He sighed as he got up and walked to the tree. He was surprised by what she was wearing but when he thought about, he calmed down [ She does have an odd way of doing things ] " You called my empress ".
Nectar nodded seriously as she intertwined her hands, " I need a favor. An itty bitty one ". Dodwen sighed, " I'll tell his majesty to come over ". Nectar made a slightly disgusted face, " Don't do that! It's your help I need ".
Dodwen raised an eyebrow, now curious " Is everything alright "? Nectar nodded, " It will be when you come over ". Dodwen didn't necessarily have a good feeling about this but it could be better than eating whatever Concubine Suki San was eating.
He nodded and followed Nectar to her tent. It was surprisingly big but when he saw the kids he felt slightly nervous. He didn't really notice the children in the kitchen last time since Nectar was whispering instructions in his ear and they were covered in flour.
Jewlica walked over to him and slightly hit his leg, trying to get his attention. Looking to Nectar for permission, he went on one knee to shorten the height difference " What is it Miss Jewlica "?
Jewlica fiddled with her fingers shyly, " I wanted to say thank you...for the other day in the alley ". Dodwen was surprised and laughed, " I didn't do much. That was all her majesty and Lord Soul ".
Jewlica remained adamant as she shook her head, " Don't say that. It was because you were distracting him that bought Sister Qidu sometime. And besides, you really wanted to save me ".
Dodwen felt odd, receiving a thank you from a girl just as scary as Nectar but then again, she could tell he wanted to save her that day [ Were my intentions so obvious? ]
He didn't have much time to think on it as Nectar called him over. He was beyond confused when she pointed at a large piece of beef that had already being marinated and spiced, " Can you help us cook this Duke Holmes. Pretty please ".
Dodwen looked at her, trying hard to conceal his confusion and anger with the situation but she looked so serious. He sighed as he agreed [ She did say please.... Wait! What the hell am I thinking ? ]