I look at Nate, who clears his throat. "Princess Evelyn suggested that we might want to make some dishes with lemons, as was the case for the feast for the Wafeland delegation, especially as it shows off the bounty of our treaty with Someil."
"But Chef Matthews rightly pointed out that there is a potential conflict when it comes to Gaullesse and Someil, so we wanted to ensure that there weren't going to be any problems," I say.
Nate flashes me a smile, and I feel myself relax enough to start eating some of my vanilla slice. The custard squishes out of the sides as I cut through it with the fork. It's a little messy, but that's forgiven when I taste it.
"That is a difficult one," Father says.
Artie clears his throat. "Gaullesse is trying to form a treaty with Someil at the moment," he says. "Perhaps a reminder that we have one, as well as a personal connection through Princess Solana, may help aid our treaty along."
Father nods. "Is there a twist that can be put on a Gaullessian dessert involving lemons?" he asks.
"I have a Gaullessian recipe that uses them," Nate says. "It's a tart with a lemon curd. There are a few lemon groves in the south of Gaullesse where it's warmer, but they aren't particularly plentiful."
"If there's a Gaullessian recipe, then I think that solves our problem," Father says. "And Arthur is correct in that we can offer to mediate talks between Gaullesse and Someil while trying to work on our own treaty."
"I shall prepare the tarts presently, Your Majesty," Nate says.
"If they're as good as these slices, then perhaps you'll be able to secure the treaty based on pastry alone," Father jokes.
I smile and look at Nate, feeling unfathomably proud of him for his observations and suggestions.
"I think it would go without saying that you should keep what you know about this to yourself, Chef Matthews," Father says. "I wouldn't have considered this meeting if you didn't have the trust of my daughter." Father smiles at me in a way that I think is meant to reassure me that he considers Nate to be trustworthy.
"It is an honour to be able to speak with you like this, Your Majesty." Nate bows his head.
"Now, as much as I would wish to stay and enjoy tea for longer, and perhaps hear more of the plans for the feast, I should be going to my next meeting." He rises to his feet, and all of us follow suit, bowing to him as he says his goodbyes and leaves.
"I should also go," Artie says. "I'm riding with Solana this afternoon."
"Thank you for your help," I say to my brother, glad that he's involved with dealing with ambassadors, so knows exactly the kinds of things we need to do to keep them happy.
"Of course. Chef Matthews," he says with a dip of his head to Nate.
"Your Highness," Nate responds.
The door clicks behind him, and I take a seat to drink the rest of my tea. I don't imagine that Nate has long, but any moment with him when we can just be is one I'm going to take.
"These truly are delicious," I say, gesturing to the rest of the vanilla slice on my plate.
"They turned out well," Nate agrees. "Probably because of the helping hand I had."
I laugh. "We both know that while I love to bake, you are the master of it."
"Don't be harsh on your own skills," he says.
"I'm not. I'm just being honest about yours." I touch his hand, lingering a moment longer than I should do. "Thank you for coming with me today. I know that can't have been easy."
"It was a little nerve-wracking," he responds. "But having a positive audience with the King is never a bad thing really, not for a senior member of staff."
"I'm glad you think so."
"But unfortunately, I do need to get back to the kitchens. The Princess of Westmillard has requested another quiche, which I'm assuming means she feels a little better," he says.
"Mama hasn't mentioned how Kathryn is getting on, but I'll find out."
He smiles. "I'm sure the servant gossip vine will tell me soon enough." He picks up his cup and drinks the rest of his tea. "I'll see you later, Evie."
I nod and wave goodbye. I sit back in my seat and let out a sigh of relief as I realise that things are settling into normalcy between us, even if things feel like they've changed slightly.
