The Kings Series #2 His Silver Hand novel Chapter 12

Lucas was not beside her when she woke up. He didn't show up to drive her to work either.

A twinge of disappointment bloomed in her heart but she knew he couldn't always be by her side. He was a Dragon King for Christ's sake! She was sure his realm needed him more than she does.

His note and flower made up for his absence and his masculine musky scent had calmed her.

Last night...Goddess. She did it.

For the first time, she slept with a man. They didn't do anything, except cuddle and hug but it was satisfying. She had to admit she had doubts at first when she saw his chiseled and perfect body in his drawstring, however, it all dissolved by how he was so gentle with her. Combing her brown hair with his fingers and caressing her back soothingly until she fell asleep.

Could they do it again tonight? Maybe in his bed? Nah. Too soon.

A text or call would suffice to let him know about her plans for tonight. She yearned for him to agree. But seeing him soon won't hurt either.

In fact, she was looking forward to a repeat.

"So, you and my brother, huh?" Indali nudged her shoulder, her tone playful. This was the first lunch service she was joining them.

Rie couldn't believe a rich young lady like her could be so down to earth and knew her way around the enormous kitchen.

The qualms she harbored in relying on her but Indali could confidently hold her own on the meat station. This young beauty had impressed her last night during her first official dinner service.

Made her wonder why Indali had to tease her today. She and Lucas had been transparent about their budding relationship. So, everyone around them knew. "Yeah, your brother claimed me as his soulmate. I hope everything is doing well at home?"

The apprentice's forest-green eyes widened a bit at the concern written all over Rie's face and she shook her head right away to assure her. "Oh yes! Everyone is busy at home. There's an interior designer that flew in from Paris to redesign the master suite. And, o vasiliás mas, was called for an important meeting by the High Council. Something about the Elven elderly couple asking for assistance. He was in his study all morning with my brothers and their Argetlams."

"O vas...what?" She would like to hear their language and learn it. Her new sous chef smiled at her encouragingly.

"It means Our King in Greek. I'm sure you will be an expert at it in no time." She nodded. Deep in thoughts. So that's what kept him occupied all morning.

Hmmm, she was not his official Queen, so that meant she was out of his circle of confidants.

At least she knew where she stood. There was no need to tell him everything either.

***

This was really a rare thing for her. In fact, this was the first time she had indulged in a glass of vintage wine before dinner service.

Pft...It's just a glass of port. It even tasted like juice. Sweet and heady. Nothing to be alarmed about. She should have done this sooner to ease her nerves.

Rie washed her face to cool down her flushed cheeks and donned her new black and maroon chef's jacket. Her light brown depths eyed her ensemble critically. Plain Jane. Hair in a pony, no makeup, no lipstick, and in her usual serviceable flat black clogs. Perfect.

No wonder he didn't want her company all the time. Fate had obligated them to be together and he had no choice. If he had...

He would definitely not chosen her.

To hell with it. She wouldn't change for anyone. Not even for a Dragon King.

Squaring her shoulders and with careful strides, she took command of where she reigned supreme. Her kitchen.

***

"Why the hell there aren't enough dressing on the Caesars Salad?" Shit! This fucking night was not going as planned. The usual flawless service had a bad start.

First, all of the clams and oysters were no longer fresh. She forgot to submerge the seafood in salt and ice. Second, the choux pastry for the beef and lobster Wellington did not rise.

She had to redo all of the shit in under one hour.

Now, the starters were up to standards. It's either soggy or lacks dressing.

"Sorry, chef. I'll redo it." Ren approached warily.

Everyone has been walking on eggshells around her. Shit!

Rie took a deep breath. This couldn't go on. She needed to man up and calm down. Personal shitty problems be damned.

"It's ok, Ren. I'll do it. Please go back to the seafood station. I need the lemon butter seas bass and salmon confit perfect, ok?" The sous chef nodded reluctantly and scurried over to her area of expertise.

Rie noticed Indali throwing her unsure glances from her corner. Afraid to say a word.

It was Rie's fault. She should have known better and kept her cool.

"Everyone. Eyes on me, please." All movements halted. They nervously look at each other. "I'm sorry team. I've been a bitch since this afternoon and it has deeply affected a perfectly synchronize production. Forgive me?"

She had to admit she was tactless but she had never been deliberately rude to other people. Not to her staff, family, and friends.

Their eyes brightened and the tension left the room with their smiles.

"You know we've got your back, chef. If something bothers you, we are here to listen." Her new sous chef smiled at her shyly.

"I know," she sniffed. Damn! "Group hug!"

They all squashed into a circle of bodies, chuckling, and giggling.

"Ok! Enough sappy nonsense. Refire station."

With her foul mood out of the way, the hot atmosphere has lightened significantly.

Orders began to fly out of the kitchen with no lapses.

Desert for tonight was indulgent eclairs filled with vanilla French cream, the shell glazed with melted Belgian white chocolate infused with different flavors.

All in all the night has ended with happy customers singing our praises.

***

"Chef, His Majesty the Dragon King and his entourage would like to personally thank you for the wonderful dinner. His words, not mine." And her satisfied glow vanished.

Leopold, the handsome vampire maître d' awaited her response with uncertainty. He had been a target of her tantrums earlier.

"Tell him I've gone home. And if he wants to see me, he can set up an appointment." She stated firmly. He couldn't summon her anytime he wanted. She was not his servant.

She was her own person and no one is allowed to make her feel unimportant. Not when her sister Anna had done everything to make her and Mish the way they were right now.

Successful and confident.

Rie made sure to use the back entrance so she wouldn't leave the restaurant without bumping accidentally into anyone.

The mansion was quiet when she got home. She left specific instructions to their dear butler, Baxter, she was not receiving visitors tonight. He raised his brows in surprise but didn't say anything.

She needed ice cream to cool down. And a big jar of Nutella. Yeah, that's a great idea.

With murmurs and curses under her breath, she was choosing among the tubs of creamy goodness, undecided.

Mint and chocolate chips? Or Reese overload? What the hell. She will have both.

"Either it's the time of the month or it's your first lover's quarrel." Oh shit! She was hoping she could escape her family and go hide in her room. And it's Alexie. Of all people.

"Hey, Lex. How are you gorgeous? Ice cream?" Rie smiled innocently and sidestepped to the kitchen island.

Alexie snorted and selected her own ice cream before she occupied the seat opposite hers. She hummed and licked her spoon, enjoying her Häagen-Dazs.

"Spill, Rie. And don't bother denying it. I can smell the liquor in your breath. Port, eh?" Damn, lycan senses.

"I don't know what you are talking about. And why are you up this late?" She began to attack the food before her and stuff her mouth full to avoid talking.

"Ah uh, we are not changing the subject, young lady." Alexie admonished and waited for her to swallow. Ouch! Brain freeze. Rie covered her right eye. "Serves you right for keeping secrets from your sister."

There was no used evading the inevitable, Alexie would bother her all night if she has to.

"I'm confused as hell."