Befriending the Beast by Amanda Tero

Author:Amanda Tero [Tero, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-09-30T04:00:00+00:00

Grede pushed at the gummy dough while Belle stood nearby, a cup of flour in her hand.

"A wee more, your highness," Grede said, looking shyly at the princess.

"I would still prefer to be the one with the dough," Belle commented as she sprinkled the flour on the mound of bread dough.

"Nay, your highness." Grede laughed nervously and shook her head. "'Tisn't seemly for the princess' hands to become soiled with such stickiness. Anis would never approve."

"Aye," Belle agreed. "But how can a meal be from me when you don't allow me to help?"

"I am uncertain how to answer, your highness." Grede shrugged her round shoulders as she shaped the dough into loaves then put them into the oven.

"Does Favian or Carpus hunt?"

"Aye, your highness."

"Have they brought pigeons in recently?"

Grede shuddered as she wiped up the table. "I despise the bird. Beg pardon, your highness."

"'Tis a pity. Papa's favorite is pigeon pie."

"For certain?"

"Aye." Belle sat on the stool. "Isabel would likely pluck the bird for you. I would like Papa's meal to be perfectly complete with all of his favorites."

Grede smiled. "Your highness, you needn't ask. A simple command will be obeyed."

"Then I command it," Belle said lightly, "but only if I may help."

"I shall try to fulfill your wish, your highness."

The two worked together in the kitchen while Isabel prepared the bird. Belle followed Grede's instructions in making pie crust, and the cook mixed the filling. As soon as it was out, Belle arranged the food carefully on the platter. Pigeon pie, broth, peas, cooked apples, nuts, cheese, and jelly. She finished with a drizzle of honey over the fresh bread. "Now I shall bring it in."

"Nay!" Grede's voice rushed out in panic. "Nay, your highness. We are never to bring his majesty's food until he asks for it."

Belle sank onto the stool and removed the apron Grede had lent her. The sound of Percy's footsteps brought her to her feet again.

"The king demands his dinner."

Belle stepped up to Percy. "The king's dinner is prepared." She gestured to the platter, laden with food.

Percy tilted his head with a half grin. "You remember?"

Belle smiled. "How could I forget? I detest pigeon pie, even though Papa tried to get me to like it." Such fond memories, when Mama was alive and Papa took every challenge with humor.

When Percy reached for the platter, Belle gripped his arm. "Nay, I shall bring it myself." How she wished one of the yellow roses had bloomed to add a spray of sunshine to her tray.

"Your highness, I cannot allow--"

"Percy, please," Belle begged.

Percy turned away slowly. "Allow me to carry the tray. 'Tis heavy."

The walk to the king's chambers had never taken so long.

"Can you walk any faster?"

Percy sighed. "I think 'tisn't a wise idea."

"Percy, 'tis time for me to see my father again."

Percy stopped and turned to face Belle. "Your highness, I do not believe you are ready to face your father."

His seriousness dampened the spark of hope Belle had nourished. She clung to the last ember and tried to appear confident.

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