Dodwen was happy with his decision to help, especially after that sweet smell of beef entered his nose. And all the watering mouths were proof. Only Nectar remained unaffected as she was always yelling to get his attention.
" Stay focused, we can't let it burn " and after ten minutes of grilling it was done. Nectar seemed satisfied as she pulled Dodwen away from the grill and put her hands on his shoulders, pushing him down on the tent floor.
" You should join us Duke Holmes, you did make it after all ". Dodwen had no intention of rejecting such a flavor filled offer. He frowned when he saw Nectar picking the plates, " You don't have to do that your majesty ".
Nectar only smiled as she put the knife in the light, " You're right, I want to. Now just sit back and let me do my thing ". Dodwen nodded earnestly [ Who am I to go against my empress's orders? ]
Nectar jabbed two knives into the large steak and quickly moved it to an empty collapsible table. She waved the knives playfully at Liam, " Be a darling and help us cool this is off. But not too much ".
Liam rolled his eyes as he made a light breeze go over the meat. Nectar was about to start cutting into it when she heard Reli's voice, " I knew it "! Reli pouted as she walked over, crossing her arms " How could you be cooking and not call me? That's not fair Sister Empress ".
Nectar laughed as she pointed at an empty spot next to Liam, " Always free to join us ". Reli didn't need to be told twice and quickly took her spot. They watched as Nectar cut the meat expertly into tiny cubes.
She did it so quickly and precisely, it was incredibly hard to keep up with her and soon that was left on the table was a mountain of meat cubes. She motioned to Dodwen who had already been given a plate, " Our chef first ".
She served everyone a portion and it was happy munching from there. Nectar could see someone peeking behind a tree not to far from her tent and licked her lips, " This is too good. And we've got so much to go around, I wonder who'd be willing to help ".
It didn't take much time and Archie ran out. He was in a red robes as usual and had a black coat on. Nectar smiled as Archie suddenly jumped on her and gave her a hug, " Nice to see you too Archie ".
Archie nodded, looking up at her " I heard you need some help with all that meat you made. I've got a mouth and a pair of hands, let me,help ".
Nectar stifled a laugh as she put a finger to her chin thoughtfully, " You're pretty convincing little one. I'll go get you some ". Archie was obviously excited but fought back the urge to show it.
Jewlica had some how walked over to him and was tapping his thigh, " Do you want some? It's delicious ". Archie didn't know how to react, he'd never been around people his age so this was new to him.
He opened his mouth to say something but Jewlica threw a cube in his mouth. He was pleasantly surprised by the taste and forgot he was supposed to keep his composure, " This is delicious ".
Nectar laughed as she handed him a bowl full of it, " And you can have as many as you want ". Archie cheered as he stuffed his mouth with the meat. Nectar sighed as she turned to the tree Archie had run out from, " That means you too Lucy ".
Lucy peeped out from behind the tree and laughed nervously, " I was just passing by your majesty ". Nectar smiled slightly, " That's even better, would you like to join us "? Lucy smiled, stepping out from behind the tree. She was in a long sleeved red dress that reached her ankles and revealed the white boots underneath.
Lucy closed her eyes thoughtfully, " I mean, you ask so nicely. How can I refuse you "? Lucy happily sat next to Archie and was soon munching away. Nectar smiled at the picture as she packed some into a plate, " I'll be right back ".
She couldn't help but sigh as she walked, [ I should have spent more time with Howard instead of obsessing over Eros. This is the least I can do to make up for it ] Then she saw Athena's tent.
She had no idea if this would work but for some odd reason, she wanted to stay on good terms with Athena. Not even having the urge to kill her anymore. [ The first step is almost complete ]
She peeked through, back to her usually silly self again " Sister, I brought you something ". But her smile slightly faded as two heads turned in her direction [ Why is Eros here? ]
Nectar was about to excuse herself but Athena sounded so excited, " Do come in Sister, what have you brought me "? Nectar screamed silently before breathing deeply and turning around.
She held out the bowl and smiled, " We made some barbecue and I thought you'd want some ". Athena tilted her head to the side, curious " What is.....barbecue "? Nectar opened the bowl, " It's basically hot spicy meat. Would you like some "?
Athena stood up and nodded, " Definitely, it smells delicious ". Nectar laughed as she handed her the bowl, " I hope you enjoy it ". Athena nodded as she put one in her mouth and held her cheeks, " This is amazing. You must teach me "!
Nectar laughed, " You don't have to worry. Duke Holmes can show you how ". Athena nodded, sitting back down with the bowl. Nectar gave Eros a slight curtsey, " Greetings your majesty ".
Eros nodded slightly as he looked at her and smiled, " Do I get some as well my empress "? Nectar internally gagged as she forced her face to remain calm [ I'd probably poison yours ] " Maybe another time your majesty. We barely had enough ".
Nectar walked as she talked and waved them good bye " See you later Sister ", and dashed out. Nectar pulled at her face, " Damn it, now I have to find a way to finish all that steak before he finds out " [ What do I do? ]