Dinner that evening was an event. Velvet had insisted on preparing the meal and the King, the Queen, the Princess and the Seneschal found themselves in culinary heaven. The first course was stuffed mushrooms that had been grilled over a smoky flame. The earthy mushrooms had been marinated in garlic-laden oil and fat chunks of sweet crabmeat swam in a creamy cheese filling. The queen couldnât stop talking about how perfect they were.
Velvet watched as Rosebud put on a clandestine show for her, licking the juice from the rounded bottom of a mushroom cap, dipping the pink tip of her tongue into the filling to retrieve a chunk of crab and closing her eyes in ecstasy, reminding Velvet of what her face had looked like when she came.
Next came a delicious garden salad, loaded with sweet carrot curls, apple slices and garden greens. Again, Rosebud played the mischievous nymph, sucking on the tines of the fork and throwing her a knowing wink. Sir Gordie commented on how well the sweet apple slices matched with the tart, tangy vinaigrette.
The main entrees were next: a perfectly grilled haunch of young lamb, sizzling with rosemary and basil and a whole broiled red snapper that the Cookâs son, Jervis had caught, which was stuffed with sliced lemons and capers. Velvet had made pit-roasted baked potatoes, their fluffy innards riddled with sweet butter, corn on the cob and broccoli in a delicate white cheese sauce. The King had three plates, mostly of the lamb and belched with a silly grin on his face and to the horror of his lady wife, actually wiped his greasy chin on the sleeve of his shirt, then laughed about it.
This time, there was no show for Velvet knew that Rosebudâs favorite dish was roasted lamb. She just stood aside with a huge smile as the princess sliced into her portion and chewed with her eyes closed. When her hazel eyes found her, tears were brimming in them and she mouthed âthank youâ.
To finish the dinner, Velvet decanted some icewine and served it with a savory cheese-crusted cherry pie. There was silence around the table as everyone dug into the dessert and contented sighs when the plates were empty.
Sir Gordie stood up, turning to Velvet, who was collecting the dirty plates. âThat was, by far, the best dinner I have ever had, Miss Velvet. Thank you for inviting me to partake such a fantastic feast.â With a nod to the rest of the party, he took the main hallway to the outer parapet, heading for his nightly meeting with the guards.
âWow!â The king said, patting his belly. âIâve never heard Gordie say anything like that before!â
âWell, heâs never had our Velvetâs cooking before!â The queen smiled, wiping the corners of his mouth. âVelvet, that was truly wonderful!â
âThank you, maâam.â Velvet bent to collect Rosebudâs plate. âAnd you, miss? Did you enjoy my pie?â
Rosebud nodded, sipping her wine. âI just
adore
cherries.â As her parents fussed over each other, she whispered, âAnd I havenât had
your
pie yet.â
Velvet was suddenly glad that she had dark skin or else she would look as if sheâd been out in the sun too long. She took Rosebudâs plate and threw her a sweet smirk as she whispered back, âI bet your pieâs sweeter.â
âShall we have a sherry in the solar?â The queen queried and her husband and child agreed. Velvet bowed as they all stood and turned toward the kitchen. âWait, Velvet, you must join us also.â
Rosebud graced Velvet with a brilliant smile, then turned to lead the way. As she stepped into the solar, she flushed, remembering their first kiss and went to the sideboard to serve the liquor while her overheated flesh cooled. Velvet took the tray from her and served first the King, then his wife, then the princess, reserving the last glass for herself. For the next hour, the foursome talked about politics and life and Rosebud was surprised to find that Velvet could hold a conversation with her father. He seemed impressed, too, to her delight. When her mother began to snore, the king declared the night over and Velvet moved to the Queenâs side.
âMaâam?â The queen awoke with a snort. âWe have finished our discussion. May I escort you to your chamber?â
âYes, please.â
Rosebud watched Velvet escort her mother from the room and blushed when her father caught her. âYou seem to get along quite well with Miss Velvet.â
âYes, sir.â
âAre you taking her with you after you are married?â
Despair washed anew over Rosebud but she did her best to mask it. âYes, sir.â
âRoger may not permit it.â
âWhy?â
âHe may be âŚ. â The king pulled on his beard, searching for the proper word. âJealous of your ⌠friendship.â
Rosebud noticed the emphasis on the word