"Whoa, Evie, slow down," Nate says.
"Sorry."
"You don't need to be sorry," he assures me. "Just let me unload the cart before you start planning our baking."
"I've been planning our baking ever since you left," I respond.
"So have I," he assures me. "And there are a few dessert designs that I want to try before the next feast."
"I don't think you'll have long to wait. There's a delegation from Gaullesse coming soon."
"Are the preparations underway already?"
"They are, but I made it clear that everyone could plan secondary options, but that you would be preparing the centrepiece desserts when you arrived."
He chuckles. "I should have known you would."
"Absolutely."
Laughter cuts through our conversation, and I turn to see my brother reappear with his wife on his arm.
Nate clears his throat and bows. "Your Highnesses."
"Chef Matthews," Artie responds with a nod. "I don't believe you've met my wife, Princess Solana."
"Your Highness," he says with a deep bow.
"It is a delight to meet you, Chef Matthews," she responds in her lightly accented Falhavien. "I have heard a lot about you." Her attention slips to me for a moment.
Nate also turns to me and smiles. "Hopefully, you've heard good things, Your Highness."
"Many," she responds, putting a hand on Artie's arm. "Including how much my husband enjoys your fruit and custard tarts."
"I can ensure they're on the menu once I've settled in," Nate says to Artie.
"That would be most appreciated. It hasn't been the same without you in the kitchens. And I don't just mean because Evie has missed you," Artie says.
"Arthur!" Solana exclaims.
"It's all right. Chef Matthews knows that I've missed him," I say matter-of-factly. It's not a secret to anyone.
I think Solana looks surprised, but there's no way of knowing for sure.
"We should get going for our ride," Artie says, putting his arm around Solana.
She nods and says goodbye before letting him guide her to their horses.
"So, your brother knows you missed me?" Nate asks, a curious note in his voice.
"He's been around less since getting married, but he's been around for enough of my conversations with Veronica to know."
"Ah, fair enough. You might have to miss me a little longer as I get my things to my room."
I frown. "You're not staying with your parents?"
He shakes his head. "Being the pastry chef comes with some perks. Including that I can have a room of my own in the castle. It's for the better. My father isn't best pleased that I've taken the position here."
"Why not? He's the one who sent you on your apprenticeship so you could become a pastry chef. Shouldn't it be a good thing that you've come back to take the position in the castle?"
