"I believe that this is a Falhavien recipe?"the Duchesse says as she looks at the tart.
I nod."It's from North Falhaven," I respond."It's a family recipe of Chef Matthews."
"Ah, he must hold your family in high esteem to be sharing a family recipe with you," the Duchesse says.
Blood rushes to my cheeks while Veronica shoots me a look, and while I don't know what it means, I can work out that it's to do with Nate.
"Chef Matthews grew up here in Falhaven Castle," Veronica says."We've known him for our whole lives.He's very good."
"If he is the one who made the croissants this morning, then I will have to agree," the Duchesse says."They are almost as good as those the chef at home makes."
Pride towards Nate fills me in response to her words, and I look forward to telling him them when I see him again later."He made them," I respond, thinking back to how he started shaping them while we waited for the second set of curd tarts to bake.
The Duchesse nods."Then I suppose that it would only be correct if I tried a piece of this tart."
Veronica gestures for one of the servants to cut a piece, which seems unnecessary.When we're eating alone, we usually cut pieces for ourselves.
The servant steps up to the table and dips into a curtsy.She cuts a slice of the curd tart and sets it down in front of the Duchesse."Your Grace."
"Thank you," the Duchesse responds.
"Would you also wish for a piece, Your Highness?"she asks me.
I look at the curd tart, conflicted feelings building up inside me.I've had plenty of them before, but I'm supposed to be trying the two smaller ones Nate and I made with him, it will ruin things if I have some now.
Veronica clears her throat, and I realise I'm just staring at the tart and not saying anything.
"Yes, please," I murmur, though I don't feel good about it.Despite the fact Nate and I made this tart together, it strangely feels like I'm betraying him.
The servant cuts me a slice and puts it in front of me before turning to Veronica and serving her a slice.
My stomach is in knots even as I pick up my pastry fork and cut into the tart.The texture is firm, much more so than the filling before we baked it, and the pastry crust crumbles in a way that I know would make Nate happy.He's always talking about how the perfect pastry crust has to be the right thickness and have a crispness about it.Today's pastry shell would definitely pass his test.
"It has an interesting taste," the Duchesse says.
"It's a speciality," I say sharply.
Veronica clears her throat."Do you have anything like it in Gaullesse, Your Grace?"
"I do not recall having had anything like this," the Duchesse responds."But is that not what the travel is for?To try things that we might not have had a chance to otherwise?"
"Indeed," Veronica says."My sister's favourite part of visiting other kingdoms is getting to try their food."
I smile at the woman across the table."It is.Though I don't get the chance to go with delegations very often.Our brother is the one who works most closely with ambassadors."
"Ah, yes.Prince Arthur.I recall him from when I was last here.Is he not joining us today?"
"He's out riding with his wife," I say.
Veronica nudges me under the table, and I want to ask her what I've said wrong, because I don't think there's anything.That is what Artie and Solana are doing.
The Duchesse nods."I do like to ride.Perhaps you might join me this afternoon, Your Highness?"She looks at Veronica as she asks.Which is a relief.I don't have any inclination to join her.
"I would be delighted to join you, Your Grace," Veronica responds.
They continue talking about their plans while I finish my tart, not really enjoying it very much thanks to the guilt worming its way through me over having it without Nate.
It's only when the Duchesse excuses herself to get ready for her ride that I sit back and let out a sigh.
