As Adam led Christian through the castle's dank and mazelike corridors, his mind was brimming over with impressions from the last encounter and last day. He felt heavier than before with every echoing step. The queen wanted a miracle and except for the fact that he had magically appeared in their stables he was not magical in any sense. From the moment the King had set the task, he knew it was beyond his knowledge. Even if he couldn’t heal the King, he could certainly make him feel better.

Maybe he was going about things from the wrong direction. Diet was one part of living a healthier life, but exercise was another.

“Adam?”

“Yes, sir?” He said, continuing to walk.

“You told me that the King used to enjoy riding.”

“Yes.” 

“Do you think it would be possible to get him to ride again?”

“Why do you ask, sir?”

“I have to make the King healthier. You see, some diseases can only be cured or managed by living differently. In the world that I come from, people exercise to feel well.”

Adam seemed to ponder his answer. Then he shrugged and said, “the King listens to few people, he does what he wants. As is his right.”

“But he must have advisors?”

“He has friends,” Adam stopped and looked about, “I hardly think any of them would ever give any advice that was worth your spit. But sir, you haven’t heard that from me.”

Christian nodded, he was going to question this boy some more once they were back in his room.

“We’re here,” Adam said as they walked through a set of double doors and into the aromas of caramelizing meat, mixed with the sweet scent of pastries baking. In the center an enormous prep table stood, Adam led Christian around it, past people wielding chopping knives and others carefully forming dough in pastry cases. 

Adam pointed at the chef, a small man wearing a smile as he tasted something from one of the large pots. He furrowed his brow and nodded at the woman who was handling it. The chef caught sight of them and jauntily stepped towards them.

“You are the Witch, aren’t you?” The chef said and bowed his head.

Christian bowed, “call me Christian. And you are?”

“Leon, if we are going by first names. But what is it you want? I am, as you can see, a busy man.” He gestured towards his whole kitchen.

“I’d like to discuss with you possibilities of changing the King’s diet.”

Leon laughed. “You can discuss it all you like, but unless the King wants change, change will not happen.”

“But would you be willing to try some new items on the menu?”

Leon’s brows were deeply furrowed. “If you want changes to the menu, you will have to be more specific. I’ve had many years of training, more or less growing up in a kitchen. I know what people like and that is what I serve.”

“He needs to eat more fiber.”

“And what is fiber? Is it some strange dish from the magical world that you come from?”

“It is something that exists in any food from plants. It makes the stomach feel better, and it has health benefits. I’ve seen him eat, all he eats is meat.”

“And if his Majesty does not wish to eat plants?”

Christian smirked and raised an eyebrow at Leon. “Are you telling me you can’t make plant dishes delicious enough for him to eat?” 

Leon stared at Christian, a broad smile spread over his lips. “I like a challenge.”