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Recalling theabilitiesCaspian used last night in the alley, she merely nodded in agreement, taking her fill of wine. He hadn’t admitted to using his magic, and certainly not in such a brutal manner, but she couldn’t deny it. He’d saved her arm, maybe her life, when no one else dared cross that line.

Had news of the strange deaths reached the castle? Was that why there was more activity today?

As the sun rose higher in the sky, and the morning glare dulled into an even light, anxiety crept through her. She needed to keep busy. To do something to keep her mind off Caspian, and the possibility of trouble finding him at the docks.

She finished her wine and dabbed her lips with the napkin Caspian had left under the plate. “Brack, how good are you in the kitchen?”

The man stuttered, dribbling wine down his chin. He made a quick attempt to mop it up with his sleeve.

“Why do you ask?”

Aria shrugged. “Since I can’t go out and the day is still new, perhaps you can help me keep my mind off things until Caspian returns. I have no skills in a kitchen. I’ve never cooked a dish in my life. But Caspian’s been so generous that I want to make him a meal for when he comes home.” She pushed her dish aside and folded her hands together on the table. “And I need your help, if you can.”

“Well, then.” Brack clapped his hands together and rubbed them enthusiastically. “The kitchen is my specialty. You know, I taught Caspian everything he knows about cooking a fine meal. I will have you whipping up delights to rival his in no time!”