Twenty-Four:
Talia led us all to her personal spire atop the Winter Palace. A place where the only guards were a few royal guards, all blood-sworn to defend Talia alone.
“Forgive me, but I’m going to simply eat my rations, Princess.”
I said, as I opened my satchel and pulled free my meager dried meats and harden bread. She grinned and Aurelia eyed my meal. I handed her some slices of dried jerky.
“This is really good. Olaf makes a mean jerky. Just don’t tell him I said that. Boys got a massive ego as it is.”
I told her, and she accepted the delicious spicey meat. She bit into it, tore off a section, and began to chew. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Is that a fine wine baste I taste?”
She asked, and I nodded in confirmation.
“Aye, he marinates the meat in red wine before he drie
