Chapter 661: Purpose (Edited)
Arianne swept in with an apologetic smile, the hem of her travel cloak still dusty. "I came without warning. I apologize."
Michael glanced over the spread and nodded once. "It’s fine, Princess. It is our pleasure to enjoy a meal with you."
The maids hovered at the edge of the room, waiting. Michael sampled a grape, then one of the baked pies. He set his plate down, satisfied. "You all may excuse us now."
The maids bowed and quietly withdrew, their soft steps fading into the hall.
Michael turned his gaze toward Arianne. "Princess, eat with me," he said.
Taking one of the baked pies, Arianne bit into it delicately, then reached for a grape and chewed thoughtfully.
"It’s good," she said at last, her eyes flicking toward the table. "The flavor’s pleasant, simple but warm. The herbs are a bit sharp, though. Still..." she smiled faintly, "they don’t hold the novelty of Lord Michael’s homeland chocolate."
Michael blinked once, his expression unreadable. "Chocolate?"
"Yes," she said brightly, the faintest laugh escaping her lips. "The one you gifted me last time. The dark one that melted almost instantly on my tongue. I’ve never tasted anything like it."
She rested her chin lightly on her hand, her eyes distant as she described it. "It was strange at first, bitter but smooth. Then sweet, but not too much. It left this warmth on the palate, like magic condensed into flavor. I actually tried to find it in the markets of the capital, but no one seemed to know of such a treat."