35: 35 The first Breakfast (AVOT)

35 The first Breakfast (AVOT)

Daisy watched Rhain, taking in his facial features which appeared as a painting poised on the verge of change. As she sat at his right hand, she felt an aching sympathy, knowing her culinary efforts had thrust him into an awkward predicament.1

"I know you don't enjoy food," she admitted softly, hoping to alleviate the tension and give him an escape from feigning enthusiasm.

His servants, too, watched him with a mix of apprehension and curiosity, but at his sidelong glance, they hurriedly resumed their tasks, leaving him at the mercy of the breakfast table.

Rhain's attempt at a smile was more of a diplomatic courtesy than a genuine expression of delight. Had Daisy not become acquainted with his true, amused smile that made his eyes gleam, she might have been deceived by the charade.

"Well, I haven't tasted it yet. I might enjoy it since you made it with such care," he conceded, his voice harboring a note of sincerity amidst the jest.

Slowly, he raised a forkful of scrambled eggs to his lips, his actions deliberately measured. He chewed thoughtfully, his face betraying no overt discomfort, but Daisy saw the subtle change. His veins became more pronounced, as if straining against an unseen struggle.

"Rhain," she voiced her concern, unable to ignore the sense of unease.

Upon swallowing, he turned to her, his eyes mirroring the stoicism he had projected earlier. "I can actually taste it," he admitted, a trace of surprise coloring his words. "I'm just uncertain... how it's supposed to taste, to offer a worthwhile compliment." His sincerity was evident and it warmed Daisy's heart. "But I do appreciate this breakfast."

The regret she felt was profound. Being bereft of the joy of taste seemed a cruel fate to Daisy.

"You might find the honey more to your liking. It's sweet," she suggested, spreading honey onto a slice of toast. She offered it to him with a sense of wariness. Yes, he'd joked about favoring meat, but what if there was some truth in it? Perhaps meat was more digestible to him.

Rhain took the offered toast and bit into it. His initial flinch was quickly masked by a self-deprecating chuckle. "I'm sorry. It's been quite some time since I've consumed anything sweet. I usually avoid sweets," he confessed, his voice tinged with a hint of rue. "It's the most challenging."

"The sweets are the best," Daisy retorted, her surprise evident. Realizing the potential insensitivity of her words, she quickly added, "I'm sorry."

"No," Rhain reassured, shaking his head gently. "Don't be. I'm well aware that people enjoy sweets."

"Should I prepare you some meat?" she asked, worry threading her voice. 

His pause seemed prolonged, his eyes probing hers. "No. It seems I've worried you unnecessarily," he said, his tone grave yet gentle. "I assure you, it's fine. I've grown accustomed to it, and it doesn't bother me. Hunger makes it easier."

Despite his reassurances, Daisy sighed, feeling somewhat helpless.

"Meat for lunch," Rhain suggested, in an attempt to brighten the mood. "Now, eat up."

Daisy endeavored to focus on her own meal, but her mind was a whirlwind of questions about her intriguing husband.

"How do you spend your days?" she ventured, hoping to glean a better understanding of his life as the Marquess.

Rhain's gaze met hers, and he leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I suppose my days are not so different from other men of my station," he said, steepling his fingers before him. "They're filled with responsibilities and duties that come with my title. I'm responsible for overseeing the management of our lands and the welfare of the people living on them. Every day brings new challenges – disputes to settle, transactions to oversee, and decisions to make that will affect everyone under my purview. Then there are the matters of diplomacy. Maintaining cordial relations with our neighboring estates is as crucial as managing our own."

His gaze drifted towards the window. "Correspondence is a significant part of it. Communications from the court, other nobles, and even from the citizens of our lands. Reading and responding to these letters can often take a large part of the day."

Finally, he mentioned what he did in his leisure time, describing a love for horseback riding and a preference for quiet evenings spent in his study.

Daisy listened attentively, fascinated by this glimpse into Rhain's life. It was all so different from her own experiences, and she found herself eager to learn more.

"But now,  being a husband adds an intriguing layer of complexity to my daily routine," Rhain continued, an impish grin gracing his features. "There's a whole new realm to explore and new challenges to face."

Daisy blinked, her fork pausing midway to her mouth. Did he mean this marriage with her would be challenging? That she would be difficult and troublesome?

"I... I will do my best not to be challenging," she whispered. The smile that had been playing on her lips moments ago vanished, replaced by a subtle crease of worry between her brows. She wanted to be a supportive wife, a partner, not a hurdle in his busy life.

Rhain's smile faltered, replaced with a look of surprise as he caught the uncertainty flashing in her eyes. His teasing had unintentionally struck a nerve, causing her to misinterpret his words.

"Oh, Daisy," Rhain uttered, his voice a soft murmur laced with a blend of amusement and gentle regret. He reached out, the back of his elegant fingers lightly tracing the contour of her cheek. The subtle intimacy of the touch stirred a fluttering sensation within her, a rush of unexpected warmth blooming in her chest.

"I believe my choice of words may have misled you," he continued, his gaze locked with hers, holding a glint of earnest reassurance. "When I said 'challenge,' I didn't insinuate a problem. I meant it in a spirited way - a new experience to navigate, an adventure that sparks curiosity and passion."

Passion?

His fingers tenderly trailed down her cheek, his thumb gently grazing the corner of her mouth. "My vibrant bloom, you could never be a burden to me."

His words, coupled with his tender touch, sparked a soft flutter within her, much like a leaf caught in a gentle breeze. She felt her pulse quicken, her breath hitch, as if she stood on the edge of an unseen ridge, the exhilaration of the unknown enticing yet nerve-racking.

"Finish now, before I feed you," he said, pinching her chin before letting her go. 

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