Chapter 4
I sigh and dip my glass pen into my ink well. It's not the most practical tool for writing, but the sound it makes on the paper isn't as bad as some of the metal-tipped pens that are available. And I like the way my handwriting looks when I use it, which is another reason to stick with it.
I write notes on a sheet of paper for Marion about the banquet.
We haven't met with the kitchen staff yet, so there are no menu notes, but there's still plenty to do with the entertainment and many of the other arrangements, including the seating plan.
I had no idea how much planning went into the banquets and other events until my father assigned this to me as my job, saying that I should have responsibilities within the castle, just like my siblings do.
Except for Ernest, but my youngest brother is only eleven, his main responsibility is behaving for his tutor.
There's a crack from the fire, and I look over to find Ember rearranging herself.
She puts her head on one of the logs and lets out a dramatic sigh.
I'm not sure if it's a dragon thing or an Ember thing, but she rearranges herself in the flames almost constantly.
From the position she's in, it looks like she's asleep, or she certainly wants to be.
I ignore my dragon and turn my attention back to my correspondence, trying not to feel too frustrated about having to deal with it.
I should be glad that my father is involving me in some aspect of running the castle, and that I don't have the responsibilities my older sister has as the Crown Princess. I would be terrible at that job.
I sigh and finish the notes, setting the sheet of paper to the side to let the ink dry before I seal it.
My mind wanders, and I find myself thinking about what I can make in the kitchens tonight.
I really should try making croissants again before Nate arrives.
If they go well, then I can show him that I've successfully made his recipe.
If they don't, I'll be able to ask him for specific advice on what I'm doing wrong.
The door opens, and I look over to find my lady's maid entering the room with a basket under her arm. I've no idea what she's doing, but that's normal.
She freezes in place and looks at me with a confused expression on her face. "Oh, Your Highness, I didn't expect you to be here," Betsy says, dipping into a curtsy while balancing her basket.
I frown. "Why wouldn't I be here? These are my rooms."
She clears her throat. "It's just that Master Matthews has arrived."
My eyes widen. "Nate?"
"Yes. Although I suppose he's now Chef Matthews."
"He is, yes," I agree while I process what she's saying. "I need to go." I'm already on my feet, not able to think about anything except getting to the kitchens.
I don't stop to rouse Ember, she can come to see Nate another time, especially as she's happily sleeping. I don't want a grouchy dragon interrupting the reunion I've been thinking about for the past five years.
Nobody pays me any attention as I make my way down from the floor I share with my siblings to the kitchens. I'm sure the guards are probably paying attention to where I'm going anyway, so it's not like I have to tell anyone.
I arrive at the kitchens before I've even thought of what I want to say, but I don't care.
I burst through the door into the main kitchens and head through to the smaller one I normally use, knowing that's where Nate is going to be.
My heart is racing, but I don't really know why. It's probably the running.
I come to a stop in the doorway, finding a familiar, and yet not, figure with his back to me, tending to the oven.
"Nate," I whisper, completely at a loss for what to say other than his name. I don't think I can really believe that he's here.
He turns around and meets my gaze, leaving the two of us staring at one another and not saying a word.
He both looks like himself and like something has changed in the five years we've been apart, but it's impossible for me to pinpoint exactly what it is.
Maybe it's that his clothing is more tailored, fitting him much better than it used to.
It must be that. His hair is still the same brown, with a slight curl at the end, and when it gets a bit longer, it will fall into his eyes and have even more bounce.
What's he thinking about seeing me for the first time in five years? I know I've changed a little, and I'm strangely self-conscious about what he thinks of the new style of dress I've taken to wearing, and my hair being a little longer.
I'm not entirely sure what to do with myself. When he left, we embraced, but it's not something we used to do with one another before that. Should I hug him now?
He clears his throat and surprises me when he bows. "Your Highness."
I don't know how to respond. The only times he's ever seriously addressed me by my title are when there's someone else around. It's strange to hear his familiar voice use it when we're alone.
How am I even supposed to respond? Calling him Chef Matthews feels strangely formal when he's my best friend, but how can I respond with his name if he's going to address me so formally?
I take a deep breath. This is Nate. He's the person I've talked to the most about my struggles with how the world works. I can just ask him.
"Is that what we're doing now?" My voice wobbles as I say the words, and tears threaten to fall.
Nate's eyes widen, and he steps closer to me. "Evie..."
It takes a moment for his use of my name to sink in. I meet his gaze, seeing the affection in his warm brown eyes. "Hi," I whisper.
"Hi," he responds.
"I kind of want to hug you."
If he's surprised by the revelation, he doesn't show it, but he closes the gap between us and pulls me into his arms. I don't do this with anyone, and I've only done it with Nate once, but it feels good to have his arms around me.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, letting the scent of fire and freshly baked bread wash over me. It's familiar and welcoming. It smells like Nate.
"You're here," I whisper as we break away from one another.
He chuckles, the sound making me feel warm inside. "I am."
"How did that happen?"
"The head chef at the castle in Wafeland asked if anyone was willing to make the trip," he says. "I don't think I've ever said yes faster."
"It must be nice to be back."
"It's better now," he responds.
I take a sharp breath, not really understanding the feelings swirling around within me. I'm probably just overwhelmed by the idea of him being here. "I'm glad you're home, even if it's only temporary."
"Me too," he says.
"You're going to have to tell me everything."
He laughs. "You mean everything that I haven't already told you in my letters?"
"All of that as well."
"That's fair. But only if you do too."
"I will. I'm going to be here every night to bake with you."
"I'd have been disappointed if not," he says. "Where's Ember?"
"Oh, she's in my room," I respond. "She was sleeping. If I'd known you'd already arrived, I'd have made sure that she was awake."
"I'm glad to see you, whether she's with you or not," he promises.
"Me too."
Footsteps sound, and the two of us turn in order to see Chef Martina enter the room. The older woman has her hair twisted up into a practical bun and is wearing the uniform chef clothing of the Falhavien royal kitchen. She pauses when she sees me and bows. "Your Highness."
"Chef Martina," I respond with a nod of my head. "I was coming to welcome Chef Matthews back." I look over at Nate, who smiles in response.
"As was I," she says. "I'm looking forward to your input at the banquet meeting tomorrow, Chef Matthews."
"It is something I'm looking forward to," he says.
"Well, let me know if you need anything," Chef Martina says. "Your Highness." She bows and leaves.
"She must be glad to have you back," I say.
"I doubt that. I'm here as a representative of a foreign delegation. I'm sure she's annoyed that I'm here," he responds.
"I don't know why anyone would be annoyed to have you in the kitchen. You're very talented."
He grins. "Maybe that's changed."
"Perhaps I can find out? After dinner?"
"I'd like that," he says. "What do you want to make?"
"Croissants. I need help with them."
He laughs. "I should have known you'd want to perfect them."
"I look forward to it," I say, knowing that I can't stay here much longer with the rush for the next meal about to start.
"Me too."
The way he looks at me makes me think that it means something, but I don't know what. The only thing I do know is that things have been righted again. Nate's only here for a short amount of time, and I'm going to make the most of it.