Swords and Spices

Aran, the owner-chef of the Silent Flame restaurant in the Empire of Eirlan, leads many lives. Behind the calm of his kitchen, he hides several secret identities, including that of the 'kingmaker,' a figure who controls politics and the underworld from the shadows. Though he is a master strategist, Aran prefers the peace of his restaurant until Eliana Movrin, the Archduke's daughter and the empire greatest swordmaster, knocks on the door of his hidden world. Drawn to Aran’s cooking and the man behind it, Eliana is unaware of the secrets he harbors. Meanwhile, Aran tries to keep his distance, knowing that getting involved with her could expose his identity and spark conflict. But as the tides of politics close in, Aran is faced with an unavoidable choice remain hidden or risk everything for a love that shouldn’t exist. "If you return tomorrow," Aran says, "I’ll make you a dish you’ll never forget."