"It is now," I respond as I dig into the cake.I've had it before, but everything about this one tastes so much better.The tartness of the apricots cuts through the sweetness of the cake.But there are also the sweet and crunchy almonds contrasting with the smoothness of the cream."This really is a good cake.I'm glad you learned how to make in Wafeland, even if I still hate that you were there for so long."
"The important thing is that I'm back now," he responds.
"It is."I put down my fork and reach out to him, putting my hands on his chest and looking up into the warm brown eyes I find so reassuring."I'm glad you're not going anywhere."
"Not without you," he promises before leaning down and capturing me in a kiss that's even sweeter than the lingering taste of cake.
Because I know he means every word, and that this time, neither of us intends to be parted again.
Chapter21
I let out a sigh as I make my way over to the fire with Ember's breakfast.As much as I didn't want to have a ball, I have to admit that last night turned out far better than I expected it to, mostly because I very much enjoyed being able to spend time with Nate, even if it would be better if we didn't have to stay up quite so late in order to actually have time together.
"It's breakfast time," I say to my dragon as I place the bowl of scraps from the kitchen down on the hearth.At some point, she's probably going to want more impressive meals, but for now, she seems content with this.
She unfurls her wings, sending a shower of sparks over the hearth, and I jump back to avoid any catching on my dress.This is one of my most comfortable ones, and I have no intention of sacrificing it to a dragon.
I'm still watching my dragon when a knock sounds on my bedroom door, and Betsy makes her way over without me even asking her to.
She clears her throat."The Queen is here to see you."
Shock travels through me.I didn't expect to see Mama today, especially not so early.Without meaning to, I run through the events of last night, but other than Veronica sneaking Nate into the ball, I didn't do anything that could be frowned upon.I danced with all the people Mama wanted me to and then more.
"Show her in, please," I say as I turn away from my dragon.I smooth out my skirts and try to look as presentable as possible.
"Leave us, please, Betsy," Mama says to my lady's maid.
Betsy curtsies to each of us and takes her leave.
"Can we sit?"she asks me.
I nod, not really knowing what else to do, and make my way over to my favourite chair.
Ember takes that moment to let free a stream of flames, making us both jump.
"She's cooking her breakfast," I say by way of explanation.
Mama nods."It will be good to show her to the Shengdanese ambassador when he arrives."
"You want me to bring Ember to court?"
"It would be wise.She was gifted to you when we made the trade deal with Shengda."
"I know, I remember."Nate looked after Ember when she was an egg by putting her in the oven, which was before we got the gas ones installed.But I don't say as much to Mama.I'm not sure what she knows about how Ember hatched.
"We should talk about last night," she says.
I take a deep breath.I wasn't planning on saying anything to her so soon, but if she's going to start bringing up suitors, then now is the time."I don't want to marry Lady Elizabeth," I say while trying to ignore the pounding of my heart."Or Prince Francesco, or any of the other suitors you've picked out."
"I know, Evelyn," Mama says.
I stare at her for a moment."You know?"Worry starts to worm its way through me as I do as she suggests.Mama's been so strict with everything surrounding my potential suitors that it's concerning to have her act like this now.I have no idea what she's going to say, or if she's going to push me towards someone else now I've said no to the two suitors she specifically put forward.
She folds her hands on her lap."I appreciate the effort you put in when meeting with Lady Elizabeth and Prince Francesco," she says."Something your sister said made me realise that it can't have been easy for you."
"Veronica?"I ask, wondering what she might have said to Mama.
"Kathryn," she responds."I don't think I'd fully considered how much pushing you to do this was impacting you."
