Page 85 of From the Edge

“When no one was looking. My hands were grimy, and I needed to soak them clean.”

Rowan said, “Today, you eat first, and you eat with us.”

“Bossy.”

“Yeah, but you are also the only one who knows how to get into the different containers.”

“Oh. Good point.” She dragged in a deep breath and cut a small slice of the chicken pie and then the cottage pie and then the loaf-panned pork pies with hard-boiled eggs inside.

Then she got the vegetables, and after that, it was the gravy’s time to shine.

When she had a heavy plate in front of her, she sat down and looked at the plate. When others started to reach for the food, she took her fork and started to eat, slowly and with attention to the plate, ignoring those around her.

Edric said, “Miss Rowan, I would like to rent one of the rooms from you, if you don’t mind. Having our own people around makes things a little easier.”

“Haven’t you been here for a decade?” Rowan smirked.

Ren had set all the beverages on the table. Hope had some lemonade and looked at the remaining food. Rowan’s grandfather and grandmother had arrived, and he was serving her devotedly. It was cute.

Eleanor said, “This reminds me of the local public house back when my father handed me over to you.”

Vasoric smiled. “You threw one at my head.”

“I threw three at your head. One missed, one you caught in your teeth, and the third hit your face.”

The folk at the table laughed, and they watched Eleanor demonstrate her pie-launching technique.

Hope finished her food and made to stand, but Edric put his hand on her shoulder, and he got up to go to the kitchen. The orcs stared.

Hope asked, “What’s the problem?”

“He’s a member of one of the great houses. The fact that he’s going to get pie is astonishing.”

Rowan chuckled. “He doesn’t even bring files to meetings. His assistant does it.”

Ren smiled. “Maybe he’s trying to make a good impression.”

Edric returned to the room with two slices of pie, and everyone started laughing. He grinned. “It is difficult to break the habit of a lifetime. Little steps. Besides, once I cut into this pie, there was no stopping me.”

Hope blushed as the pie was set down in front of her with a small fork. She picked up the fork and said, “Thank you.”

He inclined his head. “You are welcome.”

The other pies flew in and settled on the table.

Everyone settled and chattered. When the baby needed a hand off, Eleanor sprinted around the table to hold him.

Hope excused herself and took plates to the kitchen.

Rowan came up to her. “Do you think you can get comfortable here?”

“When I stop feeling like I am going to starve at any moment. What do you think I should apply for as a day job? I need money.”

“I can pay you.”

“I am already getting free room and board, but I need clothing. I have two dresses, one set of boots, and no underwear. It is hampering my social confidence.”

Rowan nodded. “Can I at least get you some cash so you can go shopping or pick stuff up?”