The Duke's Bed Warmer

Chapter 105: Kitchen At Night

The next morning, as Alina walked to the east garden, Dorian was already on the path. When he saw her, he adjusted his path smoothly, making it look like an accident to anyone watching.

"Miss Ashworth," he said looking more confident today. "I hope the music box brought you some comfort."

Alina instead of answering with words, answered with her expression instead. She looked like the woman who had received something deeply personal and was still moved by it.

"The melody," she said, looking at the garden instead of at him. "My mother used to sing it every night. I hadn’t heard it since she died."

"I had an idea you might recognize it."

"I recognized it on the first note," she said with a smile. "Where did you find it?"

"Astoria’s cultural archives are quite extensive. We have scholars who specialize in eastern music. The melody is catalogued as a traditional Arcasedian lullaby, passed through families for generations," he lied smoothly.

She knew the music box came from the royal workshop.

"Your scholars seem to know a lot about Arcasedian culture," she said gently, probing.

"They do," he replied. "We have texts, music, art. We even have people who used to live in Arcasedia before," he glanced at her. "They can tell you more about your mother."

"I know but...I need more time," she said.

"Of course."

They reached the gate and parted. Alina walked to the sewing circle already exhausted.

Alina went straight to Austin’s study from the sewing circle. She sat in her usual chair and sighed. Austin looked up and immediately noticed the post-Dorian fatigue on her face.

"Did he say something?" he asked.

"He said the music box is from Astrotia’s archives and there are a lot of people in Astoria who used to live in Arcasedia before and can tell me more about my mother."

Austin’s hand moved across the desk and covered hers.

"Maren is already tracing the music box," he said. "If it leads to a specific workshop, we might find the source."

"Then what??"

"We’ll know the original scope of his plan. I’m afraid... that the kingdom of Arcasedia might be involved in this plan."

Alina’s eyes widened.

"What?"

"Having a source inside the palace isn’t a small thing," he replied. "But I hope I’m proved wrong."

She sighed and looked at their hands on the desk.

"I’m scared," she said quietly.

"Don’t be. I’m here with you."

He traced his thumb on her knuckles slowly. She squeezed his hand and he squeezed back, providing her the comfort she needed.

In the evening, Alina sat in her usual window seat with a book opened in front of her. She holding the book and thinking, which had become her routine lately.

Emeric walked in, looking like he had some important information to share.

"It looks like you want to share something," she said, the moment he sat beside her.

He nodded.

"While I was digging local archives, I came across some royal archives as well," he whispered. "And I found a few court records from seven years ago...regarding Princess Audrey."

Alina leaned forward slightly.

"Go on," she said.

"There were three incidents involving her before she came to Ravenmoor. The records are partially erased. Someone has removed the details. But the index entries are still there," Emeric said. "Two of them were classified as ’resolved through royal intervention,’ and the third was listed as ’witnesses unavailable.’"

"Witnesses unavailable?" Alina repeated.

"In legal language, it usually means the people who could testify are either gone, dead, or unreachable."

"What were the incidents?"

"I don’t know. The index has only dates and classifications. But whatever she did was serious enough to be recorded and for the king to intervene personally."

Alina processed this new information, her mind racing.

"Emeric, can you find out more about the incidents?"

"There are no details available."

"The details are gone from the records. But records are written by clerks, archivists. Someone must know something."

"You want me to find the clerk?"

"Anyone that could help."

Emeric sighed.

"I’ll try but it is dangerous," he said. "And if the king buried these records, the people who know are either loyal to him or afraid of him. Neither will talk easily."

"I know. But you’re Emeric Ashby. Use your charm."

"Sure," he replied sheepishly.

He stood up and was about to leave but then stopped.

"Be careful, Alina. Audrey’s past is buried for a reason. People who dig up buried things sometimes get buried themselves."

"I will try," she replied.

Late at night, the castle was quiet. Alina couldn’t sleep. Her mind was full of Dorian, the music box, the whisper outside Cecily’s door, the stalled operation, and the almost-kiss in the library that wouldn’t leave her thoughts.

Austin still hadn’t come to the room. She got out of bed and walked towards the kitchen barefoot.

Austin was also walking in the corridor, holding a glass of water, also unable to sleep.

They saw each other and stopped.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I was going to the kitchen."

"Now?"

"I couldn’t sleep. So, I thought of eating something."

His mouth twitched slightly.

"I’ll come with you."

They walked together in silence.

"What are you going to eat?" he asked.

"Leftovers," she replied. "Since I’m a terrible cook."

They reached the kitchen. It was dim and quiet, opposite to what in day. Alina looked around and found a plate of roasted fish.

"I skipped dinner," she said.

She picked up a piece and turned to him.

"Do you want some?"

Austin hesitated for a second and she understood.

"Oh! You don’t eat leftovers," she said. "I’m sorry...I didn’t think..."

Before she could finish, he reached out and caught her hand. Then, without breaking eye contact, he leaned forward and took a bite from the piece she was holding.

Alina froze. He chewed slowly, still holding her wrist.

"It’s good," he said.

Something warm spread through her chest. She took another piece, but before she could eat, he took it from her fingers and held it up to her.

"Your turn."

She leaned in slightly and took a bite. A faint trace of oil lingered at the corner of her lips. His gaze dropped to her lips and both froze.

Then he lifted his thumb slowly and brushed it away from her mouth. The touch lingered a second longer than it should have, intentionally.

Her breath hitched and the kitchen suddenly

felt smaller and warmer. They finished the food, standing close to each other. But neither of them spoke. When they were done, she set the plate aside.

"Bed?" she asked.

He nodded and they walked back together.