Chapter 546

Noelle had lost her appetite ever since Quentin said what he did.

Now, she stared blankly at the table, a feast of dishes spread before her.

Christian placed a few servings on her plate. "Why aren't you eating? The chef here is a descendant of the palace cooks from the last kingdom. You won't find food like this anywhere else. And even if you do, it won't taste the same."

His hands moved with practiced care, his pretty eyes filled with gentle concern. But if you looked closer, there was a glint of coldness beneath the warmth.

Noelle picked up her fork and took a bite of the braised pork.

It was perfectly tender, but it felt as though something was lodged in her throat. What should have been rich and flavorful now tasted like sawdust.

She couldn't swallow.

Across from her, Christian watched silently, his gaze steady but unreadable, like a storm gathering on the horizon—perhaps nothing at all.

He reached for the fist next, carefully removing the bones before placing a delicate pi