Delphinia wiped her damp forehead with the back of her hand, exhaling deeply as she surveyed the dining table. Steam rose from a variety of dishes—roast chicken glistening with golden brown skin, mashed potatoes whipped to perfection, fresh green beans sautéed with garlic, and a basket of warm dinner rolls. She had even baked a rich chocolate cake for dessert.
The counters were a disaster zone, showing just how much work she'd put into cooking, but Delphinia didn't care. Tonight's dinner had a purpose. She needed Evander to be in a good mood because she had a favor to ask. Just a small favor, she told herself, nothing he should object to—but with Evander, one could never be sure.
