"Then we should make some of those, maybe tomorrow? I can make the pastry in advance so that we can do the fun part."
"All of it's fun when I'm with you," I respond without thinking.
The way he looks at me makes it clear that it's true for him too. But that could be for any reason, and probably isn't because he feels the same way I do. I'm going to have to put all thoughts of that out of my mind and focus on getting back to the place of friendship we've shared for years. He's only just returned to Falhaven Castle, the last thing I want is to ruin the friendship we've built over the years. So I just need to keep my feelings to myself, even if that's going to be difficult.
Chapter 5
I'm surprised when I arrive at the family dining room to find only Veronica currently seated. The room is grand, though it is nothing like the formal rooms where we dine with other people. This is meant for those of us who are part of the royal family to eat without the onlookers that come with the other places within the castle.
I wish that meant I were more comfortable here, but in truth, it sometimes feels like there's more of a focus on me in this room than in any other, and I can't say I'm a particular fan of that.
"You're not last to arrive," Veronica says as I make my way around the ornate table laid with table settings that don't make all that much sense. I can understand the need to change eating utensils between courses, especially when it stops me from ending up with the sauces contaminating one another. But there is something excessive about having to use a specific fork for crab.
"You say that as if I'm not always perfectly on time," I respond. "It's not my fault that everyone else normally decides to be early."
She rolls her eyes. "You're supposed to arrive early."
"Then why are we not told the time that we need to show up? It would save a lot of confusion." I take my seat beside her.
"I don't know. That's just how things are done," she says.
"Hmm." I grimace as I realise I've sat on my dress wrong. I shuffle around to untrap it from beneath me.
"Will you stop that?" Veronica asks.
"I'm done now," I mutter, not mentioning that I can still feel one of the folds of my dress underneath me, and I know it's going to be annoying me throughout the dinner.
The door opens, and my oldest sister enters the room. She looks far more fashionable than I do, at least according to what people say around court. I don't mind. I would much rather have everyone's attention on Kathryn rather than on me.
"Are you well?" Veronica asks Kathryn with what sounds like concern in her voice.
I look at my older sister, wondering why Veronica is asking.
Kathryn lets out a sigh as she takes her seat. "Just tired."
"You do look a little pale," I say.
"You can't say things like that." Veronica gives me a look that suggests she's annoyed at me.
"You're the one who asked," I point out.
"You're still not supposed to say it."
"Sorry," I murmur.
Kathryn laughs. "You're fine," she assures me. "I don't have any duties tomorrow, so I'm going to rest."
"You should order soup from the kitchens," I say. "And fresh bread. Oh, and maybe something you really like that can make you feel better."
She raises an eyebrow. "Are you going to bake for me, Evie?"
"I can. What would you like?" Nate says that it's good when I know what I want to make, so this will be perfect for tonight's choice.
"Perhaps something savoury," she says.
"I could ask Nate if he has a good recipe for quiche from his travels," I muse. "Do you like quiche?"
"Yes, I like quiche," Kathryn responds. "I think some soup and quiche would probably serve me well."
