Page 7 of Princesses & Pastries
She clears her throat. "It's just that Master Matthews has arrived."
My eyes widen. "Nate?"
"Yes. Although I suppose he's now Chef Matthews."
"He is, yes," I agree while I process what she's saying. "I need to go." I'm already on my feet, not able to think about anything except getting to the kitchens.
I don't stop to rouse Ember, she can come to see Nate another time, especially as she's happily sleeping. I don't want a grouchy dragon interrupting the reunion I've been thinking about for the past five years.
Nobody pays me any attention as I make my way down from the floor I share with my siblings to the kitchens. I'm sure the guards are probably paying attention to where I'm going anyway, so it's not like I have to tell anyone.
I arrive at the kitchens before I've even thought of what I want to say, but I don't care. I burst through the door into the main kitchens and head through to the smaller one I normally use, knowing that's where Nate is going to be. My heart is racing, but I don't really know why. It's probably the running.
I come to a stop in the doorway, finding a familiar, and yet not, figure with his back to me, tending to the oven.
"Nate," I whisper, completely at a loss for what to say other than his name. I don't think I can really believe that he's here.
He turns around and meets my gaze, leaving the two of us staring at one another and not saying a word.
He both looks like himself and like something has changed in the five years we've been apart, but it's impossible for me to pinpoint exactly what it is. Maybe it's that his clothing is more tailored, fitting him much better than it used to. It must be that. His hair is still the same brown, with a slight curl at the end, and when it gets a bit longer, it will fall into his eyes and have even more bounce.
What's he thinking about seeing me for the first time in five years? I know I've changed a little, and I'm strangely self-conscious about what he thinks of the new style of dress I've taken to wearing, and my hair being a little longer.
I'm not entirely sure what to do with myself. When he left, we embraced, but it's not something we used to do with one another before that. Should I hug him now?
He clears his throat and surprises me when he bows. "Your Highness."
I don't know how to respond. The only times he's ever seriously addressed me by my title are when there's someone else around. It's strange to hear his familiar voice use it when we're alone.
How am I even supposed to respond? Calling him Chef Matthews feels strangely formal when he's my best friend, but how can I respond with his name if he's going to address me so formally?
I take a deep breath. This is Nate. He's the person I've talked to the most about my struggles with how the world works. I can just ask him.
"Is that what we're doing now?" My voice wobbles as I say the words, and tears threaten to fall.
Nate's eyes widen, and he steps closer to me. "Evie..."
It takes a moment for his use of my name to sink in. I meet his gaze, seeing the affection in his warm brown eyes. "Hi," I whisper.
"Hi," he responds.
"I kind of want to hug you."
If he's surprised by the revelation, he doesn't show it, but he closes the gap between us and pulls me into his arms. I don't do this with anyone, and I've only done it with Nate once, but it feels good to have his arms around me.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, letting the scent of fire and freshly baked bread wash over me. It's familiar and welcoming. It smells like Nate.
"You're here," I whisper as we break away from one another.
He chuckles, the sound making me feel warm inside. "I am."
"How did that happen?"
"The head chef at the castle in Wafeland asked if anyone was willing to make the trip," he says. "I don't think I've ever said yes faster."
"It must be nice to be back."
"It's better now," he responds.
