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The following day Elle was in endlessly high spirits She didn’t complain even when the footmen loaded her onto her armchair and carried her to another silent dinner

"Bernadine is a saint She is a treasure that deserves to be adht, Jock?" Elle said Since the servants couldn’t reply and Prince Severin never bothered to acknowledge her, Elle had taken to addressing all her inquiries to the fat dog--who

Elle continued, "Her hash is heavenly and her cherry jelly is peerless! It is no wonder you weigh twice asthe piece of buttered bread Elle held

"And the pastries, don’t let et the pastries, Jock"

At the other end of the table Prince Severin sipped his wine

"It is beyond es to secure fresh fruits for everya strawberry in her mouth It was juicy and sweet froes to present fruits that are out of season! Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised The chateau is ical, you know"

Severin made a noise that sounded like "chuff," his cat whiskers jutting forith the sound

Elle froze, her bread halfway to her mouth Did the cursed prince just emit the cat equivalent of a snort?

Prince Severin nibbled on a grape, ignoring or not noticing Elle’s awe

Elle looked down at Jock The dog’s eyes were still glued to her bread "Did I i scooted closer on his well padded butt Elle shook her head before she spoke at a loud voluain "You can tell Bernadine cooks only with cow oat milk--I have been told so by those with taste"

Elle paused to sip her tea "Good food ree," she said before lunging out of her chair She aled to snatch up her crutches before the manservant who usually kidnapped her crutches could touch the her crutches with a s to be pretty "If we don’t enjoy it, we don’t give proper recognition to all of Bernadine’s work," she continued, as if she had not just held a wordless scuffle with a servant

When she looked up Severin was staring at her as he chewed his food His expressions were difficult to decipher on his feline face, but judging by the quirked right ear and the flat look in his eyes, Elle suspected Severin was

"Correct?" she bea on them

Severin furrowed his forehead and returned his attention to his food

One of the footmen who usually carried Elle stood behind Severin When he knew Elle was looking at hiht before shaking theesture of victory

Elle returned her attention to her rin

No matter ho Prince Severin held her in estee popularity in his household