Isobella woke up the happiest woman alive, still hugging her beloved monk, gave her another affectionate squeeze. Her affection may have been too much, as the monk began to wake herself. She shifted cruelly from her grasp and stretched to wake herself up.

  Drasna gazed down at the vexed Isobella, “Well, I didn’t wake up chained up in the basement, so I’d say that was the best sleep I’ve ever had.”

  Isobella teased, “Would you like to try? You might like it?”

  Drasna made an X with her arms and shook her head, “M-maybe next time… or never, you’re starting to creep me out with that.”

  Isobella smiled, “My apologies, I only meant to be playful…”

  Drasna sighed, “Well, I suppose it’s all in good fun, just some dark humor, not like you’d ever actually do that, right?”

  Isobella smirked, “Not unless you asked…”

  Drasna blushed and looked away, “I-I’ll think about it.”

  Isobella let the subject drop, it was only a fantasy after all. She stood up and began her morning ritual by entering the walk in closet. By the time she was fully dressed and walked out of the closet, Drasna was also dressed and tying her hair up like it normally was. Isobella walked over to her vanity desk and applied her perfume as normal. Upon her completion, she noticed Drasna tapping her foot and looking around.

  “Is something wrong?”

  Drasna shook her head, “Not really, I just feel antsy, I normally go get water for the Dragon house every morning, it feels weird not to.”

  “I see, you must be busy, I hope visiting me doesn’t make your life stressful?”

  “What! No! Not at all, The trip up and down the mountain is pretty good exercise and helps with my training, I look forward to every visit without fail!”

  Isobella felt her cheeks turn pink, “That makes me happy to hear…, it goes without saying that I feel the same.”

  Drasna gave Isobella a side hug at the statement, the hug was short lived as her stomach roared like a dragon.

  Drasna muffled a laugh, “Guess I’m hungry, what do you usually eat for breakfast?”

  Isobella giggled as well, “My breakfast is often a mix of fruits, pastries, and eggs, but I had Tristan prepare my most favorite food for us this morning.”

  Drasna smirked and raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Don’t I feel special now? I can’t wait”

  Isobella daintily grabbed the monk's hand and pulled her to hug her arm. She led her out of the room and down the stairs and to the kitchen. The scent of roasted meat and freshly squeezed fruits grew strong and fragrant as they drew closer. The smell was making Drasna’s stomach roar louder, which Isobella found adorable. The two stepped into a kitchen and moved over to a chef’s table, occupied by a large roasted bird. Tristan greeted the two of them and pulled out their seats, before beginning to cut up the meal before them.

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  Tristan served the meal and explained, “By special request from Lady Isobella, I have prepared a roasted duck with a cranberry and orange glaze. It is served atop a wild rice medley with glazed carrots. Due to the early hour the blackberry wine pairing has been substituted with a lemon Lavender tea. Please enjoy.”

  Isobella expressed her gratitude, “Thank you Tristan, I’m aware this is a particularly time consuming meal to prepare, please take an extra hour break today.”

  Tristan poured the tea and bowed, “You’re too kind m’lady, but I will gladly accept your offer.”

  Drasna blinked confused, “This is breakfast! What happened to fruit and eggs? ”

  Isobella shook her head, “The other guests will eat that, as for the duck, it’s something I would typically have for dinner or when I am hosting an event. It is my favorite food and I wanted to share it with you, even if it may seem strange.”

  Drasna stared at the food, “You didn’t have to do all that for me! I knew you’d probably have something fancy, but you had a whole duck roasted for me? You’re the best girlfriend ever!”

  Isobella nearly choked on her tea, “Y-you think so?”

  Drasna began to dig into the portion in front of her rather un-eloquently, while Isobella watched. Isobella cut into her food slowly, the meat was juicy and could be cut in half with a fork. The flavor of the cranberry orange sauce erupted in her mouth, waking up her still sleeping taste buds. That same sauce had also been absorbed into the rice, together with the sweet carrots made for a lovely sweet and sour taste. It was a flavor made much better knowing she was able to share it with her beloved Drasna.

  Drasna swallowed and spoke with stars in her eyes, “This might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted! If not for curry buns I’d be a hundred percent sure of it!”

  Isobella cocked her head, “Curry buns?”

  “Yeah! They’re spicy buns full of cabbage and venison curry! They’re ‘my’ favorite food, If you aren’t into spicy they have mild and even sweet ones up in the dining hall up the mountain!” Drasna clarified.

  Isobella, dabbed her mouth with a napkin, “You really want me to visit you up top.”

  Drasna nodded, “I don’t mind the trip up and down, I’m actually able to do it in half the time now, but I’d love for you to see where I call home. It won’t be what you’re used to, but I’ll make sure it's fun, promise. There’s also something else.”

  Isobella cocked her head curiously, “Are you keeping secrets now?”

  “No, of course not, but there's a tournament we do every season to show off what we’ve accomplished. I’d really like it if you could attend, and watch me?”

  Isobella felt her heart beat, she was not against leaving the chateau, but she had to make sure Calathiel wouldn’t need anything from her. She had wanted to visit Drasna’s home on the mountain for a while anyway. The one called Korin was still very much on her mind. Isobella’s eyes widened slightly as she remembered something else, something she wanted Drasna to attend.

  Isobella nodded, “I have a condition.”

  Drasna frowned, but understood, “Is there something that makes you uncomfortable?”

  “No, but there is an event I am hosting soon here at the chateau. I find these events very forced and dull. I would like it for you to attend, perhaps in a dress like we discussed? In exchange, I will attend this event that means so much to you, perhaps also in one of those battle dresses?”

  Drasna’s eyes lit up and squealed a bit, “Really! Sure I can wear one of your fancy dresses for a night, no problem! I can have Master Yuki prepare a battle dress for you, I think your normal clothes are unfit for the mountain.”

  Isobella smiled, “Then I look forward to both events…”

  Drasna smiled as well, “You won’t regret it!”