Eric had originally planned to have the kitchen prepare some of Helia's favorite foods: roasted swan and a saffron stew, served with fresh wheat bread and a satisfying mead...
But when Eleanor found out, she summarily canceled six of Eric's orders, changing the roasted pheasant to roasted wild duck, the roasted swan to roasted pheasant, the mullet to trout, the cloves to garlic, and the mead to apple cider...
When Eric found out, he didn't correct the changes. If it would make her feel better, then so be it. Besides, Helia had indeed been a bit out of line.
The evening banquet.
Eleanor hadn't planned on attending the banquet, but that would make her look weak. 'This is my home, my castle. Why should I cower and hide?'
She sensed someone watching her. It wasn't the detestable Helia, but the little one named Jeanne.
In the flickering candlelight, her hazel eyes looked exceptionally beautiful.
Her gaze fell on the locket-style box hanging from Eleanor's neck.
