Following Hearts

Only Yours

One week later, Valentine and Ferdinand sat at a table in the dining hall awaiting their food, but more importantly awaiting Henrietta. The long-haired blonde chef strode into the hall, tying her apron around her waist.

    "Henrietta!" Ferdinand beckoned her over to the table. Confused, Henrietta walked over and sat down next to the prince.

    "Hey Ferdinand, Valentine. What's up?"

    "Can't I just say good morning to my favorite chef?" Ferdinand smiled innocently.

    "I mean...yeah, but I'm working so I assumed you needed something?"

    Valentine chimed in.

    "Actually, we're more concerned about what you need."

    Henrietta raised her eyebrows, awaiting an explanation.

    "You work too hard," Ferdinand stated as he patted Henrietta's shoulder. "We think that you should take a break and relax."

    Henrietta chuckled and stood up.

    "Well, I'd love to, but the food isn't going to cook itself so I'll have to save the relaxing for later."

    "We'll do it!" Valentine quickly assured, gesturing for Henrietta to sit back down.

    "I'm sorry?" Henrietta smiled confusedly.

    "We'll cook today's breakfast."

    "Okay...what?" Henrietta scanned her two friends, curious as to why they were behaving so strangely.

    "Yeah, you know, We've been wanting to learn how to cook for a while now," Ferdinand said. "Didn't I tell you?"

    "Can't say you did."

    "Well, this would be the perfect opportunity for us to practice and you to relax."

    Henrietta looked back and forth between her two friends.

    "Okay look," She leaned forward. "I don't know what you two are up to, because clearly you're up to something, but quite honestly," She sighed. "I could use a break and Silvia is in the kitchen today so she can help you with whatever you need. So I'll humor you two and go along with whatever crazy scheme you guys are up to." Ferdinand and Valentine stood up excitedly. "But I expect a full explanation after breakfast, okay?" The siblings nodded eagerly and began to walk to the kitchen.

    Just then, Dove waltzed into the dining hall and spotted Valentine.

    "Hey Valentine, where are you going?" Valentine turned around to face her friend. "I thought we were eating breakfast together today?"

    "Oh yeah..." Valentine responded. "Sorry, Henrietta's been swamped with work so Ferdinand and I are helping out in the kitchen today."

    "Oh. Okay..." Dove began to look around the dining hall, searching for a place to sit.

    "Here's an idea," Valentine beamed. "Why don't you sit with Henrietta? You guys can chat, share stories, get closer, you know..."

    Dove rolled her eyes and smiled.

    "Oh, I see what you're up to."

    Valentine gasped and played innocent.

    "Now what do you mean by that?"

    "You're trying to set Henrietta and I up."

    "No...of course not." Valentine smiled. "That's ridiculous, I just-you know-thought that you two might...get along."