"The young king's full of surprises, huh?" Says Nene, a newly assigned assistant cook. They were working in the castle's pantry—the home of rumors. Household of chinwags, the shelter of whispers, and the hottest stories Feuersturm can offer.
"Shh, Nene! The bread you're baking, pay attention to it!" says Gibson, the head cook. The sous chef giggled and then proceeded to taste test the food. They were preparing the king's dinner.
"It seemed he's not dining alone," Stella murmurs.
"How odd!" The others seemed to agree.
Nene was new to the palace, having been selected as an assistant cook because she was recommended by her father who was a government official working under the provincial lords. It took an effort to get her the position—she was a decent baker, and her father had the connections. But she wasn't just there to be an assistant cook.
