I stare at him."That's nonsense."
"Not really."
"But..."
"Look, I know that there are members of your family who have married commoners before, but it's not the norm.The Queen is no doubt wanting to remind me that there's no hope of more with you, and that I should remember you're destined for someone of your own station."
All kinds of unfamiliar feelings are swirling around within me at his words, and I don't really know what to make of them.He's not saying them unkindly, or seeming to want me to rethink what's going on between us, but I can tell that he's also being serious.
"I don't want to be destined for someone of my own station.I don't want that.I would..."
"Give up your crown for me?"Nate finishes.
"I don't know," I respond.
He sighs."I know you don't.And the Queen no doubt knows it as well.And the fact that your mind can't be changed on this.So she's going to do the one thing that shecando and making sure that I know that she's paying attention to us, and that she doesn't approve."
Tears prick the corners of my eyes."Why wouldn't she just tell me?"
"She has, Evie.Many times."
I open my mouth, wanting to counter what he's saying, but realising that I can't.Mama hasn't been the most supportive of me spending time with Nate, particularly recently, and I have been trying to keep the progression in our relationship from her so that I don't have to deal with it.
Someone clears their throat from beside us, and I turn to see Camille approaching.
"Your Highness," she says with a stiff bow.
"Chef Asselin," I respond, a little in a daze.
"I am sorry to interrupt, but Chef Martina is looking for you, Nathaniel," she says in her thick Gaullessian accent.Despite knowing that what was between them has been over for years, I can't help the hint of jealousy that grows within me as a result.
He nods."Thank you, I'll be there in a moment."
She disappears back into the kitchen.
"I brought these for you," Nate says, holding out a box."It's the truffles we made.I thought you might want to share them with Princess Veronica while you were riding."
"Thank you."I take them from him, trying to ignore the way it feels for my fingers to brush against his.
"I didn't mean to upset you..."
"I'm not upset," I lie.
"Evie..."
"You're needed in the kitchen," I say."We can talk later."
He looks as if he wants to say more, but I don't let him, turning around and walking away.
Veronica gives me a puzzled look, before glancing over to where Nate's still standing.
I ignore them both and slip the box of truffles into my saddlebag before going around to the mounting block and getting on my horse.I may not have any strong feelings about riding, but there's no point using it as an excuse to come down to the kitchens if I don't do it.
Veronica mounts her own horse and we set off out of the courtyard, but not before I look back to the kitchen door, only to find that Nate has gone back inside.
A tear rolls down my cheek, and I wipe it away, not wanting my sister to see.
"What happened?"she asks, clearly not fooled.
