The Princess

15.

ARANYANI

"Princess, your mother called. She told me to inform you that you have dinner with the President tomorrow night." William speaks up from the couch he was sitting on.

"And, why did she not inform me herself?" I ask, stirring the spatula in the saucepan. Caius tried to take the spatula from me and I nudge him with my elbow.

"Behave," I say, strictly.

He pouts and turns to rummage through the cupboards to get plates and glasses.

"Well, she knew I could convince you." William smiles sheepishly.

"Okay. Which President is it?" I ask him and add the gnocchi to the saucepan.

"Of the United States, Princess," William informs me.

I hum in reply and continue to make the pasta. After a few minutes of letting it cook, I take the saucepan off the gas and plate the pasta. Caius takes two while I take mine and sit beside William.

"Wish we could have had wine," Caius mutters.

William glares at him over his plate and starts to eat his food.

"Princess, you may not be as good a cook as your mother, but your cooking is still delicious," William mumbles with his eyes closed.

"Thanks, Uncle William." I smile, brightly.

"I am not your uncle." He sighs.

"You are!" I insist.

"This is never going to end." Caius shakes his head.

We continue to chat throughout our meal, laughing at Caius' horrible jokes and William's impression of Jacques.

"Alright, go away now. I am sleepy." I stifle a yawn.

"That is how you treat your uncle," William says, his face contorted into an expression of mock hurt.

"Well, you said you were not my uncle, so" I trail off, shrugging.

Five minutes later, I am pushing them out of my door.

I go to my room and change into my night suit and do my nightly skincare regime.

It has been a week since I have been back in the US, but there is no sign of Emrys. The others informed me that he had to be at a science conference in Berlin for the week.

You would think he would at least text me after his abrupt departure during the video call and me sending a message for him to do so through our other friends.

I am knocked out of my reverie by a knock on the front door.

I heave a sigh and get out of bed. Walking to the door, I look through the peephole and I see a navy blue-clad chest and a silver chain.

"Who is it?" I call out.

"Aranyani, it is Emrys." I instantly recognize his deep voice.

"What do you want?" I ask.

"I would answer if you could let me in." He sighs.

I contemplate for a moment and open the door.

There he is, dressed in his signature colors. His hair parted to the side and diamond studs in his ears. His silver chain catches a glint from the light above my door. His dual-colored eyes on me.

"Hi." I greet.

"Hello. Will you let me in?" He questions.

"Come on." I sigh and give him space to enter. I close the door and walk over to the kitchen.