She watched as the warden set down her basket with care before she sat down and leaned back, taking in the paintings adorning the walls, each portraying scenes of Wyfellon’s countryside: lush fields, flower-laden adows, and grand estates.
When the waiter approached, a young man with neatly combed hair and a polished smile, he gave a polite nod and offered the leather-bound nus with a small bow.
"Good afternoon, my lord and lady," he greeted smoothly. "Welco to The Regal Hearth. May I start you with a drink?"
"Yes, please, suggestions," Salviana invited.
The young man smiled, "Our elderflower lemonade is quite popular, or perhaps a glass of our finest red wine?"
Alaric glanced at Salviana, allowing her to decide. She looked thoughtfully at the options, considering, before replying, "The elderflower lemonade sounds lovely, thank you."
The waiter gave a quick nod, jotting it down. "An excellent choice, my lady. And for you, my lord?"
"I’ll have the sa," Alaric replied, his gaze still on Salviana, amusent flickering in his eyes as he took in her genuine interest in the nu.
After the waiter brought their drinks and stepped back to give them a few minutes, Salviana eagerly browsed the options. Every description seed a touch more tempting than the last, and Alaric watched as she narrowed down her choices with careful deliberation.
Finally, when the waiter returned, he asked, "Have you decided what you’d like, my lady?"
"Yes, I think so," Salviana replied, a pleased smile lighting up her face. "I’d like to try the roast pheasant with chestnut sauce and the leek and potato soup, please."
The waiter raised his brows slightly, surprised but visibly pleased by her enthusiasm. "An exquisite selection, my lady," he remarked warmly, jotting down the order. "Our cook prides himself on the roast, and I’ll make sure he knows you’ll be trying it."
Alaric smirked. "And for , I’ll have the lamb with rosemary glaze," he said, adding, "and perhaps the cook can surprise us with his finest pastry afterward?"
The waiter gave a pleased smile. "Certainly, my lord. I’ll make sure it’s the cook’s best work."
As the waiter departed, Alaric glanced back at Salviana, catching her excitent as she continued to look around, taking in every detail of their surroundings.
"This place is lovely," she whispered while Alaric nodded, agreeing with her.
"We could co again," Alaric suggested and watched as his wife’s eyes widen with disbelief, "Really?"
Alaric reached and tucked errant fiery hair behind her reddening ears, "Yes but only after you taste their als and you still find it lovely," he whispered.
"You’re right, I hope I enjoy their food," Salviana conceded.
She glanced at him, "How do you know the place?"
"I am the best pretender you’ll ever et," he said matter factly.
Salviana watched Alaric say it like a joke but it was rather sad, he couldn’t taste good but he’ll co along to rich restaurants with human associates and probably eat with them while pretending it tastes nice.
"You’ll taste good food soday," Salviana assured him with her warm palm on his gloved ones.
He blinked, his heart doing a little soursault, he’d never had a wish to know what food tasted like before but Salviana made him feel as though he was genuinely missing sothing, perhaps when he was younger he’d go to corners to wipe his tears as he would be hungry but he couldn’t bring himself to like what was served and he was also treated like a monster but now he couldn’t let her see those negative thoughts on his face, so he smirked, "I tasted you yesterday and I loved it,"
"See! You loved it!" She squealed, she’d asked him how she tasted yesterday but he’d ignored the question. Salviana knew he was changing the topic but perhaps it was right, if she couldn’t help him she shouldn’t remind him.
"You simply love the complint," Alaric teased.
"Wouldn’t you complint ?" She fired back with a tempting smile.
"I would," he gulped and she waited patiently, "You taste the greatest of anything I’d ever had the privilege to taste, your blood is divine,"
Salviana blushed, her teeth coming out to bite down on her lip while Alaric nodded, he told the truth and he simply loved the effect his words had on her.
When the al arrived, it was presented with such care it was almost too beautiful to disturb.
Salviana looked at her plate in awe, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of the table as she took in the tender pheasant, the glossy chestnut sauce, and the perfectly arranged sides.
When she finally took a bite, her eyes closed with a small sigh of contentnt. "This... is incredible," she whispered, savoring the flavors.
Alaric chuckled softly. "I knew you’d appreciate it. Seems you have a taste for Wyfellon’s finest."
"Perhaps," she agreed, laughing softly as she took another bite. "I could get used to this."
The waiter, noticing her enjoynt, stopped by again and asked, "How is everything, my lady?"
"Wonderful," Salviana said with a bright smile. "It’s everything you promised."
The waiter gave a pleased nod and murmured, "I’ll be sure to let the chef know you’re pleased." With a respectful nod, he excused himself, leaving them to enjoy their quiet mont together, the soft hum of the restaurant adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Alaric couldn’t help but feel his own warmth grow as he watched her—so full of life and wonder at sothing as simple as a al. As she finally settled on a choice and looked back up at him, she caught his gaze, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.
"You’re watching ," she murmured, a blush rising to her cheeks.
"I am," Alaric admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want to rember this—every mont."
She smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she settled into the comfort of his presence, feeling her earlier fatigue ease away, replaced by a gentle, warm happiness.
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