My Lady Chef novel Chapter 14

Ely's POV:

The duke...my husband insisted on tending to my discomfort so after a few minutes of resisting; I shivered as I felt her cool fingers inside me as he applied the salve inside gently before moving outside.

It was an oddly intimate act that I never imagined the dour-looking guy would do for me.

And this was the same douchebag that left me for a month?

Hard to believe.

He even helped me put on my night robe as we sat down by the fireplace for the first meal.

Today's plate was coddled eggs and sausage with mushroom quiche and a small side salad with toast.

And Linda must have perfected that other iced tea drink I taught her a few days back

It was a mix of peach-infused tea that was mixed with honey and as an added texture, I added some sliced dragon fruit cubes.

The pitcher looked pretty and the dragon fruit cubes were a great visual effect.

I hurriedly poured myself and glass and noticed the duke staring at it.

"Would you like some?" I offered.

"What is that? It does not look like juice." his eyes were on the floating fruit cubes.

"Ah well. This is iced tea. I taught Linda how to make this Dragonfruit Iced Tea days ago."

"Dragonfruit?" his frown twitched into a half-smile as he lifted his glass. "Maybe a little would be fine."

I poured him half the amount of mine as we started eating. The silent clinks of the plate were pleasant since I have always eaten alone for the past month.

Then his hand went around the glass and he took a sip. I watched his expression change to one of surprise as he continued to drink until it was full.

"This is similar to that orange drink you gave me last night but the taste is lighter and refreshing." he licked his lips as I poured him some more tea.

"It is a Peach infused tea with some honey and the dragon fruit was added for its texture. It is similar to kiwi but milder." I explained as he drank more tea.

"I had no idea tea could taste this way. And it is not even mana enriched so how could it be this good?"

His words made me proud of how hardworking Linda was. I was right in entrusting her with making my iced tea drink.

"I have always loved cooking and making delicious things to drink and eat. This is something I came up with since summer is upon us and the servants needed something to cool themselves other than just water." I fiddled with my eggs before eating the one on my spoon.

"You have cooked for the servants before?"

The sudden change in his voice made me look at him and I shivered at the cold look on his handsome face.

"Well, there were circumstances. Besides I needed something to do since I was sent to live here. Not many activities were available to me and I happen to like rewarding those who were kind to me.....despite my situation.." I explained in a dignified manner. "So please don't punish them. I know that look and I will be very upset if you do."

I have to ground myself that despite his kind ways, this marriage was not a love match. I do not want to be a love lovestruck fool who stalks her husband because it was a one-sided emotion.

After a nice pleasant breakfast. We ate some sweets that I had Linda purchase yesterday. I found out that my husband has a sweet tooth as well from the way he demolished three custard bread and two chocolate croissants.

I noticed that the duke finished the last of the iced tea while I was not looking.

"I have to go and supervise some of my knights who are training at the barracks." He stood up and wore the cloak. "I will have Milford move your belongings by this afternoon. Maybe you want to keep yourself busy until then?"

"I will. Take care of yourself Ezran." I nodded at him but he lingered as if he wanted to bring something up. "Yes?"

" Can you fix up some for me later? The...iced tea. I like the orange one as well so...if you could spare some time." He seems unused to this approach.

I gave him a big smile because I have more than enough fruits and cooled tea for it. It was also a wonderful feeling when someone likes your food.

"I would be happy to fix up some iced tea for you and your men. " I happily answered which made him stare at me for a while before he turned around and left the room.

He is a nice man. I think...I could be friends with him if I can't learn to love him.

I rang the bell and Linda soon came to help me draw the bath while Lisa and Beatrice cleared the table.

Suddenly, inspiration struck me like lightning as I hurriedly scrubbed myself clean and felt the sharp pain in my hip and groin so I thread carefully and applied more salve before I walked towards the kitchen.

It would be the perfect dish for a hot summer!