"If anything, it makes it easier," he responds. "If I want a new pan making, or something fixing, it's normally done quickly. There are advantages to being the best friend of a princess."
The words lance straight through my heart, a reminder that he doesn't see me as any more than we already are. "So you'll come to the theatre?"
"I'd like that," he says with a smile. "I don't think we've ever done something like that before."
"It might be nice to start." I meet his gaze, trying to keep my emotions steady, because the last thing I want to do is lose his friendship over this.
"It will be." He smiles widely.
Before I can ask anything else, the door opens, and his father steps inside. He takes one look at how the two of us are positioned close to one another, with Nate being so casually sitting on the table, and a scowl takes over his face.
"Your Highness," he says with a slight bow.
"Chef Matthews," I respond. "I liked the dried fruit bread you made for breakfast a few days ago."
"I didn't make that, Your Highness." His attention is fixed on his son.
"Oh." I'm saved from having to figure out how to respond to that when the others arrive for the meeting, with my private secretary entering with Chef Martina.
Each of them bow to me in greeting before going to take their seats, though Marion lingers for a moment.
"Would you like me to make the booking we discussed, Your Highness?" she asks, also looking at Nate and keeping her voice low. Though with Chef Martina and Nate's father currently speaking to one another, there's little to no chance of them overhearing.
"Yes, that would be most appreciated. Could you also ask for one of the carriages to be prepared for us?"
"Of course. I assume that you would like one of the unmarked carriages?" she asks.
I nod.
"And should I put the booking under your name, or under Chef Matthews'?" She looks at Nate as she asks.
"Mine would be wise," he says. "If we're trying not to draw attention." He looks at me and smiles.
"Very good. I shall see that it's done." Marion nods her head and goes over to her seat.
"Thank you," I say to Nate. "I hadn't thought about the name on the booking for the box."
"Maybe I'll be the one sneaking you into the theatre."
"I should make sure to bring a big cloak for that purpose."
He laughs. "I don't think I've ever seen you sneak anywhere."
"Perhaps not. We can plan later?" I suggest. "When I come down to bake this evening?"
He nods and touches my arm briefly before heading over to his seat. It's only after he does that I realise how familiar that must seem when we're in a room of people. Though I suppose everyone here is aware of our friendship, and the other two chefs are just finishing their conversation and not paying us any attention.
I sit beside Marion, trying not to look too intensely at her scratchy pen. I really should figure out an acceptable way to gift her one that doesn't break conventions and insult her. I don't want to have to replace my private secretary when she's so good at her job.
Chef Martina takes her seat and clears her throat. "Did you receive our suggestions for the menu, Your Highness?" she asks me.
"I did. I have a few suggestions. I thought perhaps you might introduce the lemon chicken that you made when my cousins from Wafeland visited. I know my father particularly enjoyed it, and it would be good to showcase some of the ingredients we currently have from Someil," I say.
"I believe I can add that to the menu, Your Highness," Chef Martina responds.
"I wonder if that is wise," Nate's father says.
"Why would it not be wise, Chef Matthews?" I ask in response, wondering if he has a reason that might be valid, or if he is simply trying to be difficult like he often seems to be with me. Other than his not approving of my friendship with Nate, I'm not entirely sure what he has against me.
