Page 34 of Princesses & Pastries
"Thank you for bringing this," I say, trying to ease some of the tension, especially when I have no idea what's causing it.
"I will always do what is requested of me by the royal family, Your Highness," Chef Matthews responds.
I look at Nate, a little confused about what his father is actually saying. I get the impression it goes beyond what he's said, but I can't tell more than that.
Nate gives me a reassuring smile, but it doesn't really work.
"Nathaniel, a word," his father says.
Nate nods and steps to the side of the kitchen with his father. The two of them exchange a few terse words, though I can't work out what any of them are.
Eventually, Chef Matthews leaves and Nate returns.
"What was that about?"
"My father was reminding me that you're a princess and I'm leaving," he says bitterly.
I reach out and place a hand on his arm. "You're not leaving yet."
"I know."
"And I don't know why he thinks that you need reminding of that." It's never far from my mind.
"He thinks we're too familiar. He's told me as much several times since I've been back." He looks in the direction his father has disappeared. "It's nothing to worry about."
"If you're sure..."
"Let's do what we're here for," he says, pushing the slagroomtaart towards me.
I dig my fork into it and take a bite, letting out a hum of satisfaction as the sweetness of the cream, along with the freshness from the fruit and the impossibly light cake, hits my tongue. "That's really good."
"Thank you."
"Is there apricot in it?"
"Good catch," he says. "There's a purée made of dried apricots."
"It's good. I don't know how the cheesecake is going to match it."
Nate chuckles. "I'm sure the cheesecake will be good too."
"True. But your father relies on cheesecake a lot," I respond. "I know he makes a good one, but it's not special."
"I'm not giving him that note," Nate says.
"I don't expect you to." Of all the people who work in the kitchen, Chef Matthews is the least likely to listen to any of my opinions. I'm not sure what I did to offend Nate's father, but it's certainly something. It's not even that I think his desserts are bad, they always taste good, and he has the precision to pull them off, there's just very little originality in them.
"I'm relieved," Nate admits.
I reach out and touch his hand. "I don't want to ever make you uncomfortable."
"You don't," he promises, meeting my gaze as he does.
I find myself lost in his eyes, which is something I can safely say has never happened with anyone else.
I'm starting to think that Veronica might be right.
Chapter 15
