The House Witch

Finlay Ashowan, known as Fin, takes a post in the kitchen of the King and Queen of Daxaria and keeps to himself. Nobody at court knows much about him, and he likes it that way. Cooking for the crown suits him, and so does chasing curious visitors out of his workspace.

Fin has a secret, though, and his past is starting to close in. He shares the kitchen with his familiar, a fluffy black kitten named Kraken. Between the two of them they have to steer around court politics and avoid attracting trouble.

A complication arrives in the form of a lady of the royal court who takes an interest in him. Fin has good reasons to keep his distance, and he has no practice at letting anyone near.

The castle is full of chaotic, warm-hearted people and plenty of rich food, and the cozy fantasy tone stays light with a romantic thread running through it. The open question is whether Fin can keep his secret buried and his heart out of danger while the castle's kindness works on him.