The royal kitchens were buzzing with activity when Elara Aetheon stepped through the heavy oak doors. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering spices filled the air, making her stomach growl faintly. She smiled to herself; this was Darian's domain.
At the heart of the kitchen, Darian Emorth was hard at work. His back muscles rippled under the simple white tunic he wore, his hands moving with practiced ease as he prepared ingredients. His deep brown hair was tied back, and the intensity in his dark eyes as he worked was mesmerizing. He didn't just cook—he commanded the kitchen, every movement efficient and precise.
Elara lingered at the doorway for a moment, watching him in his element. She respected the passion and drive that Darian put into his craft. Though a noble by birth, he had always been more interested in cooking than politics, a trait that had initially drawn her to him.
[New Quest: Assist Darian Emorth in securing funding and supplies for his restaurant.]
Reward: 100 points.
Hint: A royal banquet is being planned—offer him the opportunity to showcase his skills to potential investors.
Elara smiled. This would be the perfect opportunity to help Darian.
She cleared her throat softly, and Darian looked up, startled. His stern, focused expression immediately softened when he saw her.
"Your Majesty," he said, wiping his hands on his apron before bowing respectfully. "What brings you to my kitchen?"
"Just Elara," she reminded him with a smile. "And I came to check on you. I heard there's going to be a royal banquet soon, and I was hoping you would take charge of it."
Darian raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a small smile. "You want me to handle the banquet for the kingdom's most important guests? Quite the responsibility."
"I wouldn't trust anyone else," Elara said honestly. "You've been working so hard, and I know you've been thinking about opening your own restaurant. This could be your chance to show potential investors what you're capable of."
Darian's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of deep thought. "A restaurant…" he murmured. "It's been a dream of mine for so long. But…"
Elara stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "But what?"
Darian sighed, leaning against the counter. "Running a restaurant is expensive, and I don't have the resources to make it happen. I'm a good cook, but I'm not a business man. I'm not sure if I can convince people to back me, even if the food is good."
Elara tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips. "Is that all? You leave the business part to me, Darian Emorth. All you need to focus on is cooking the best meal anyone in Aethoria has ever tasted."
Darian's eyes lit up with a flicker of hope, but doubt still lingered in the way he crossed his arms. "You really think it's possible?"
"I know it is," Elara replied, her voice firm. "You've been preparing for this your whole life. I've seen the way you work in this kitchen—no one else has your skill, your passion. If you can show the world what I've seen, they'll be lining up to invest."
For a moment, Darian was silent, his gaze searching hers. Then, slowly, his lips curved into a grin. "Alright," he said softly, "I'll do it. But only because you believe in me."
Elara smiled warmly. "That's all I ask."
[Quest Updated: Darian Emorth agrees to cook for the royal banquet. Help him gather the finest ingredients and ensure the banquet is a success.]
Reward: 50 points for providing encouragement.
The system buzzed in Elara's mind again, a sign that her efforts were recognized. She had learned quickly that it wasn't just about the points—it was about building something with her husbands. Their dreams were as important as her own.
Darian stood straighter now, his usual confidence returning as he began to mentally plan the banquet. "I'll need the best produce from the northern farms," he said thoughtfully, his hands already moving to prepare a new dish. "And the spices from the western isles… I'll need to work day and night to make sure everything is perfect."
"I'll make sure you get everything you need," Elara promised, watching him with admiration. "And remember, you don't have to do it alone. We're in this together."
Darian looked at her, a rare vulnerability showing in his dark eyes. "Thank you, Elara. I… don't say it enough, but I appreciate everything you do for me. For us."
Elara smiled, touched by his words. She reached out and lightly touched his arm. "You don't need to thank me, Darian. Just keep being you. That's all I'll ever need."
Later that evening…
Elara returned to her chambers after a long day, a deep satisfaction settling over her. She had taken two steps forward in helping her husbands, Kael and Darian, but there was still so much to be done. The system had given her a path, but it was her love and support that would truly make the difference.
The system chimed once more, bringing up her progress.
[Current Points: 150]
[Next Goal: Help Rowan Eldric uncover a lost historical text to assist in his research.]
Elara let out a soft laugh. Of course, it would be Rowan next. Her scholar husband had been buried in the library for days now, obsessing over some new ancient text he had found. She made a mental note to visit him tomorrow.
For now, she would rest. She was building not just a family, but a future for all of them—a future where each of them could shine.