Page 35 of Markets & Mooncakes

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine," I assure him. "All of this is so that we can spend more time together, right?" I look up at him, reassured by the expression in his warm brown eyes.

"Yes."

"Then let's go get the lotus seeds, and I can soak them when I go down to the kitchens later." And perhaps I can think of something to bake that I can leave for him to have for breakfast in the morning so that he knows I'm thinking about him even when he's not there.

"Thank you." He brushes a hand against my arm.

"What lesson have you got?" I ask as we fall into step.

"Geography."

"Can that not be taught afterwards? Surely you don't need to be able to recite all of the kingdoms in order to be introduced to the court?"

He chuckles. "It's about more than just the names of the kingdoms. It's also what produce they're known for, and how their borders work. It's actually very interesting. And I know more than I expected."

"Probably because you've lived in several kingdoms."

"Just four."

"That's three more than I've lived in," I point out.

"True. But I wasn't in Sovrenetti for very long."

"Is that why none of your recipes are from there?" I ask curiously. "We've made things you learned about in Gaullese and in Wafeland, but not in Sovrenetti."

"I suppose we haven't gotten around to it yet," he admits. "But maybe we can change that soon. There are some excellent breads and cakes served around Yuletide in Sovrenetti that I think you'll love."

"Then I shall wait, as patiently as I'm able to."

He laughs and pulls me closer to him. "Which is more so than you think," he assures me.

"True." Especially because I'm showing remarkable patience with Mama demanding so much of Nate's time.

Chapter 15

A knock sounds on my door, and I look up from my book as Betsy heads over and opens it.

Surprise floods through me when I see Nate on the other side carrying a tray.

"Chef Matthews," Betsy says, surprising me more by dipping into a curtsy to him.

"Is Princess Evelyn free?" he asks.

She looks over at me, and I nod. She steps back and allows Nate to enter.

"Should I retire for the evening, Your Highness?" she asks.

I consider for a moment, liking the idea of having time alone with Nate, but not knowing whether I'm supposed to dismiss my lady's maid or not. "Yes, that'll be all for tonight," I say. I don't really need her for anything else, though maybe I should be asking her to help me into a dress rather than leaving me alone with Nate while I'm wearing nothing more than a robe over my nightdress. But the fabric is thick, and it's not as if he hasn't seen me in it before.

"I shall only be a call away, should you need me. Your Highness." She curtsies to me again and leaves to head to her room.

I set my book down and get to my feet, heading over to where Nate is putting the tray down.

"I wasn't expecting you," I say.

"I know. You just seemed disappointed that we weren't going to be able to bake anything earlier, and when I was done with lessons, I realised that I wanted to see you too. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."