He smiled at her almost slip. “I’m the Andarion Ambassador for the Caron Empire.”
She scowled. “Aren’t you supposed to actually be an Andarion for that?”
He laughed at her confusion— which was the typical reaction from everyone he met. “Normally. But the Andarion prince is a good friend of my best friend. He assigned me here before the Grand Counsel’s death to ensure the safety of the true royal family.”
She went pale. “Your best friend is Darling Cruel? The stupid bastard who just launched us into war against the League?”
Maris steeled himself at words that usually sent him into a murderous frenzy. Just not against pregnant women. “Darling is one of the most intelligent men who’s ever been born. A little hot-headed, granted, but never, ever stupid. Nor is he cavalier with anyone’s life. And I was there when it all happened. The League started this war over Zarya. They wanted to keep her in prison, along with Ture, and a number of other Caronese citizens. Darling is the sole reason any of them are alive today.”
“And I will testify to that.” Ture set a plate in front of Maris. He spoke to Anachelle. “You know I held no love of the royal family. That definitely changed when Darling, himself, along with Maris came into my prison cell and freed me and Zarya. I know of no other emperor who would have done that for anyone. And he had intended to leave in peace. But the League wouldn’t allow him to do that. I stand with our emperor and will do so until the day I die.”
Maris arched a brow at Ture’s words.
Ture met his gaze. “I never forget blood debts. I’ve had too many people try to hurt me to squander the decency of anyone who protects my ass.” He leaned down to whisper in Maris’s ear. “I’m as loyal to friends and family as you are.”
Those words, combined with his close proximity, set Maris on fire again.
Ture squeezed his hand then left them so that he could return to work.
Maris turned his attention back to Anachelle.
She held her hands up in surrender. “I trust Ture and as he said, I remember well how often he and Zarya wished much ill on the head of our noble leader. If you can convert them, then I’ll defer to the three of you. Obviously there’s much about the emperor I don’t know, and I’m wise enough to know better than to trust the media and their whitewashed lies.”
“Good woman. Because Darling is one of the very few people I’d kill or die for.” He tasted his food while she went back to folding napkins.
His eyes widened as the savory taste hit him full force. Ture had a definite gift.
“Told you...” She beamed with a bright smile. “Ture is a god in the kitchen. It’s why they’re lined up around the block to get in.”
“How does he do it?”
She shrugged. “Stingy thing won’t share that info. But I’ve seen many men and women, low and highborn, begging him to marry them for his pasta dishes alone.”
Amused with her anecdote, Maris watched Ture. He was as fierce and organized as a battle commander as he checked food temperatures, presentation, preparation, and a thousand other things that left Maris’s head reeling. It was truly an impressive feat. Ture moved like a dancer in a ballet. Graceful and good-natured. Whenever someone had a problem, Ture moved in to help and had them smiling again. Likewise, he stepped in to settle arguments between his workers. All the while maintaining a jovial temperament.
Truly, truly impressive.
And it was obvious that this restaurant was everything to Ture. It was here he came alive. Happiness shone in his eyes and even though he had to be exhausted, Ture had a light and easy step.
Maris had barely finished his dinner when Ture returned with two lush desserts. One was a chocolate mountain of steaming deliciousness for Maris and a strawberry and cream parfait for Anachelle whose entire face came alight when she saw it.
“I love you, Ture. Marry me!” She laughed as she grabbed a spoon and dug in.
Returning her laugh, Ture kissed her on the cheek. “If I were straight, honey, I would.”
She sighed wearily. “Why are all the good men gay or dead?”
“Or married?” Maris asked without thinking. He cringed as she scowled at him and he realized how insensitive it was to say that to her. “Sorry. I forgot.”
“It’s okay. I was the moron who slept with him. Which I would have never done had I known he had a wife at home. That’s what I get for thinking someone had integrity to not lie about their marital status.”
Maris swallowed his food. “Some of us do.”
“Yeah, but not enough.”
He held his wine glass up to her. “I will heartily agree. I’ve had my heart carved out enough times to know whereof you speak.”
“Yes...men suck.”
“But not all.” Maris winked at her.
“Present company and food gods who bring me sweets are always excluded.” She dug in again with a gleeful greed.