Page 35 of Dark Princess Ascending

"Bread. I don't like making frequent trips to the supermarket, so I buy flour and ingredients in bulk and bake my own bread. That's how things were done when I was young, and I also like knowing what goes into the things I eat. You have no idea what junk they put into commercially made food products."

Rob studied her face, wondering just how old she was that her early years predated not only supermarkets but also bakeries. He'd promised himself not to ask, and he convinced himself that it didn't matter, but things were getting serious between them, and it seemed wrong not to know such a basic thing about her.

"Now I know why everything in your house tastes so good. You make it all from scratch."

She seemed pleased by his compliment. "Not only that, I also use herbs that I grow in my garden. It doesn't get any fresher than that." She cast him a smile and then frowned. "You look pale. Are you sure you are feeling alright?"

"I feel strange," he admitted finally. "Not loopy anymore, but a little iffy. What are the first signs of transition?"

Gertrude wiped her hands on a dishtowel and turned to face him fully. "Usually fever or flu-like symptoms. Some males start growing their venom glands right away, so you might feel like you have an inflamed throat. If your gums hurt, it could be fangs starting to grow and push out your canines."

Rob ran his tongue over his teeth experimentally. "None of that. Just a general feeling of lethargy."

"Lethargy is a flu symptom," she said, crossing to him and pressing her hand to his forehead. "But you don't feel warm."

Her touch lingered, gentle and comforting. "Hungry?" she asked. "I could make you an omelet."

Before he could answer, his phone buzzed, and Margo's face lit up the screen.

"Yes, please," he said to Gertrude before accepting the call.

"Good morning, Margo."

"How are you feeling?" his sister demanded without preamble.

"Tired but okay." He watched as Gertrude began gathering ingredients for breakfast. "No definite signs of transition yet."

There was a moment of silence and then a disappointed sigh. "Well, look on the bright side. If your transition doesn't start today, you can attend the wedding."

"If nothing changes between now and then, I'll definitely come." He smiled as Gertrude cracked eggs into a bowl with practiced efficiency. "Right now, I'm about to eat breakfast using my old canines."

She laughed. "Soon, you'll have fangs. You are a confirmed Dormant. There is no question of you transitioning. The only question is when."

"I know. Love you."

"Love you too."

After ending the call, Rob watched Gertrude cook, and he had to admit that everything about this moment felt right—waking up in her house,watching her cook, and sharing a quiet morning together.

Which reminded him. "Where is Hildegard?"

Gertrude turned to look at him over her shoulder. "She stayed the night at her guy's place. It's the second time she's done that with the same male, so maybe she's developing feelings for him."

"Who is he? One of Kalugal's men or a Kra-ell?"

"Kalugal's. She refuses to tell me who he is, though. She's so weird."

It was now or never. "Is there a chance she will move in with him?"

That got Gertrude's attention, and she turned to him fully. "It's too early to know, but why are you asking?"

He swallowed. "Margo invited me to move in with her and Negal because I've already overstayed my welcome at Toven and Mia's, but I told her that I would discuss it with you first."

20

GERTRUDE

Gertrude nearly dropped the spatula she was using to fold the omelet. The implication in his words was clear—he wanted them to move in together.