[kiera is silent for a long moment, even as it's clear luca recognizes the gravity of the situation. the last thing they want is to make him regret his efforts... but it makes them bittersweet, after all.]

I was practicing my camouflage, as it were. Ended up in the servants' quarters, close to their kitchens. There was -- the most beautiful smell I'd ever experienced, coming from that place. One of the cook's children... didn't realize who I was. Said I looked starved, and offered me a single piece of flatbread.

[their eyes close.]

I can still taste the caraway seed, still smell the oils of freshly chopped coriander and garlic. I can feel the clarified butter in my mouth. It... was the single best thing I have ever tasted, to this day.

[they sigh, deep and suffering, and find themself looking around the table for a bottle of spirits that isn't there.]

My mother found out. Looking back, I know now she could smell it on me. She had the servant child brought in front of the entire court and ordered me to... to consume what I was meant to consume.

... You know the rest.