My Lady Chef
Chapter 46: A Rare Flower in the Royal Court

Belmont's POV:

Most ladies prefer pastel or bright colors to show off their beauty effectively but to everyone's surprise, the new Duchess' gown choice was rather unique as it should have been too severe on her pale beauty.

But somehow the simple high-necked black gown with an accent of falling red flowers that were done on the bodice till the waist suits her really well. Her pale blonde locks were adorned with fire crystals while the simple shape of the dress accentuates her full figure. Her jewels were also top-notched as they are made from blood rubies, very rare jewels that are hard to mine and polish.

When she bowed beside Ezran, the way she executed her curtsy with an elegance made every man at court hold their breath as the king stared at them both for a long time.

I observed Alaina closely; she was even more beautiful than when I first saw her somehow. She was practically glowing for some reason and Ezran seems more relaxed and the menacing aura around him was nowhere in sight.

The moment father asked them both to rise, both of them did so together. I could see that the men were once again captivated by the Duchess of Aisenburg.

"Welcome to the capital Lady Alaina." Father's tone was rather warm as he addressed her. "How are you enjoying your new life?"

Most women would give a momentary glance at the King but the Duchess kept her clear gaze at my father as she smiled amiably before answering in an equally warm manner

"I am enjoying it, Your Highness. My husband and his household have been nothing but welcoming to me."

"I have heard rumors of your beauty and clearly they are true. Your husband is considered a lucky man for marrying you."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I am flattered."

So far, her words and volume of voice are excellent. Her answers are precise and to the point. Father likes women who do not stammer or get flustered in front of him.

"I understand that your father is Baron Loris, the guardian of the Northern Realms."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Word around is that he is recuperating after he got injured during a skirmish with Barbaros. I do hope he is doing fine." she bowed slightly lower before straightening up to show her appreciation. "My husband assures me that my father is well and is currently at home resting. I will send him your good wishes Your Highness."

"There is also another rumor that I would like to address. I have heard that the food you make satisfies even your husband who is notorious for being a picky eater. Is this true?" the duchess looked at the duke who was still wearing his most imposing expression before she hid a soft giggle before answering.

"My husband? a picky eater? That is not true. He loves eating the food our house chef makes for us. The food I make for him are merely snacks when he is training." she gave Ezran a fond smile. "These days, He barely eats his food here during the times he is invited for noontime meals." my father said to her. " Unless they are mana enriched cuisine; he barely eats everything on the plate."

I was intrigued and a little concerned as well. My father has always hated the fact that Ezran often eats a bit of our food recently; he must be trying to fish a mistake that might force the duchess into saying that her husband hates the food here.

This in turn may force Ezran to do a favor for him in the near future to repair his standings with the king.

But in truth, he just likes his wife's cooking better than the food done by the Royal kitchens. It is obvious from the way he ate the cakes.

"Ah, well that is my fault Your Highness." she kept her smile on her face.

My father's smile turned into a frown and I tried to stop myself from laughing. "How is that your fault, Lady Alaina."

"I have always packed lunch for my brothers whenever they had to go attend the academy and I do the same for my father when he goes on trips. To make me feel comfortable, my lord husband dutifully eats the noontime box I pack for him ever since he started attending court; I was not aware that he gets invited to such an honored event as eating with you Your Highness." she sounded innocent as she put a hand on her heart. "Had I known, I would never have given him any reason not to enjoy his meals by your side. That must the reason why he does not eat much during your luncheons.; Please forgive my insolence." Ezran's mouth turned into a smile at Lady Alaina's quick and witty words.

She managed to cover for her husband's reluctance to eat the food here by shifting the blame on the packed lunch box and highlighting her husband's devotion to her since they were newlyweds. Somehow my father could not help but laugh and the court also did the same; even I was tempted to grin as I watch my friend close his eyes and sighed deeply.

"You are a very unusual but entertaining young woman, Lady Aisenburg. I like your sense of humor and how devoted your husband seems to be to you." he chuckled softly. "I am in a good mood today. Name your boon Milady and you shall have it."

She looked surprised by the gift and she should be. My father never gives a "boon" or a gift to a noble lady before; the whole court was now whispering.

"I am flattered, Your Highness. As of now, I am content but maybe in the future, I can call upon this boon?" she dropped her head in respect.

"Of course Lady Alaina. This royal court will welcome you whenever you have time to visit us." my father smiled benignly at her. "Aisenburg, I was most displeased with you when you married without your liege's permission but it seems like your wife is level headed and gentle but calm. I am satisfied with her and I hope to see her at my son's birthday ball."

Crafty. Ezran will be off to fight a war that might last a year or so this means he will not be able to escort his wife to my ball.

"Of course, my Liege. She will be escorted by an appropriate knight from my order," he said politely but it was devoid of any warmth.

With that promise secured, my father sat back and smirked as the ducal couple bowed together and turned to leave.

But Ezran suddenly grabbed his wife and a few ladies gasped in delight and tittered excitedly as he hoisted Alaina in his arms and carried her out.

The court was abuzz with what they just witnessed as the Aisenburgs left the throne room.☐☐☐

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