𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅

chapter twenty-three

Emriana

"Yes, add a little bit of more salt," I said, watching Dana mix the batter.

"These smell so good," she smiled, dipping her finger into the bowl, and licking it off with a moan.

"I know, my grandma's recipe is the best," I added, adding the last ingredient as I checked the fire to ensure it was perfect for cooking.

"I wish I could thank her, this is so good," she dipped another finger, and I pulled the bowl away from her, and she whined.

"Emri, please let me eat some more," she said, trying to catch some more, but I pulled it behind me with a smile.

"You're going to eat it all before I get the chance to cook it," I began scooping out some individual portions and laying them on a cooking plaque.

Dana had offered me to bake with her some of our favorite baked goods after she saw how I wasn't feeling good after the whole thing with the King, then the triplets, and then Roza. It had been a rough day, and I was happy that I could spend some time with my friend.

We put the plaque over the open fire, and I walked to where Dana was sitting as we faced the fire. We stayed quiet for a moment before she spoke.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She offered.

I shrugged.

"I don't know. It's so messy. I don't even know where to begin,"

"How about the beginning?" She said with a sweet smile. I told her what happened this morning with Roza, and she nodded, listening attentively to my every word.

"Why did she say that?" She said once I finished.

"I don't know, honestly,"

"We all come late sometimes. It's not the end of the world," she said, and I nodded.

"In a way, I think she's right. It is a lot for me," I pointed out, and she pulled her lips together in deep thought.

"Maybe, but she shouldn't be telling you that. This is your decision. Do you want me to talk to her?" She asked, getting riled up, and I chuckled, shaking my head.

"No, it's okay. She was just worried about the painting contract, that's all," I said, and she huffed.

"She shouldn't have said it like that. You seem like you were about to cry all afternoon," I chuckled, telling her how much I cried before I got back to the chapel.

"You know what I think it is?"

"What?" I asked.

"I think it's Ryenne,"

"Ryenne? Why her?" I frowned.

"I overheard her speaking about you to Roza the other day. I was only passing by them, and I only heard your name, but I'm pretty sure they were talking about you," she explained.

"You think Ryenne is behind all of this?"

"It wouldn't surprise me. She's always telling lies to everyone about you,"

"Huh? Like what?"

"She told us this morning when you weren't there yet, that you were fucking the princes,"

"What??"

"I know. That was my reaction when she said that. I told her off,"

"Thank you,"

We changed subjects after that, and she told me about Mav. She was leaving next week to see him, and she invited me to go along with her. I would think about it. I was planning to go back home next week, but maybe I could go with her before going back. I had always wanted to travel to other kingdoms. I was so curious to learn about the world.