Happy Ever After

Metawin

Is this how noodles are supposed to look after you boil them?

They looked a bit too pillowy? Were noodles supposed to be pillowy?

I cursed Dara for ever convincing me pasta was easy to make. It's simple she said. A kid can make it she said. What kid was she talking about? Someone born in a Michelin restaurant?!

I was contemplating scrapping the noodles when I hear an alarm go off. What was that? I turn around and see the sauce in the pan emitting smoke as it turned into a crusty black film over the pan.

I rush over and in panic I throw the pot of noodles over the frying pan in hopes of the water stopping the smoke. Which it sorta did? Except now, there was noodles and water and bits of tomatoes all over my feet and the floor.

Boiling water on my feet and floor.

"Why are you destroying the Royal Kitchen?"

I turn around and see a very sleepy Bright staring at the mess I made and for a brief second I forget the pain shooting up my toes.

I tried to smile at him but instead I grimace in pain.

"Are you okay?," he says rushing over.

I nod my head. "I just need some ice," I say as I hobble towards the giant refrigerator at the other end of the kitchen.

"Ice?"

"Well, I did drop boiling water on my foot and- " I didn't even get to finish my sentence. I found myself being hoisted on the kitchen counter, Bright kneeling in front of me, inspecting my bare feet. I wanted to protest - I don't know how clean my feet were! But again the prince was already out the kitchen door, instructing someone to bring him a first aid kit.
Then suddenly he was back in front of me, a block of ice in his hand. He looks around for a clean kitchen towel (there were none, I have soiled all of them) and impatiently he removes his white shirt.

"Wait. What are you -"

He wraps the ice with his shirt and proceeds to gently knead it on my feet.

My God, how was this man even real?

"What were you thinking, Metawin?," he scolds me, still tending to my feet.

"That I should get hurt more often so you'd pay more attention to me?"

He glares at me. "That is a stupid plan. Do not do that."

"Seems effective though," I tease. "This is the first time you've talked to me in days."

"I've been busy."

"I may be an idiot but I'm not big of an idiot, Your Highness."

He looks up at me and I couldn't tear my eyes away. I wanted to say something sweet or witty but all I could do was drown in those beautifully angry eyes. I didn't even notice the first aid kit arrive.

"This may hurt," he says as he steadies my foot on his knee and opens a tube of ointment.

"Can't be more painful than you ignoring me."

He huffs. "Please save your flirting for your girlfriend."

"Dara is not my girlfriend. You can call her now and confirm. We're just friends."

"So you just go around kissing your friends then."

"I thought we weren't friends."

"That doesn't make things better. It just makes you someone who thinks kisses mean nothing. I don't have the luxury of living that kind of life," Bright says in an angry voice. I would have believed the anger, if he weren't so gentle with my feet. If I couldn't see the crease of concern on his handsome forehead.

"So you kissing me means something then," I say, letting my hand play with his hair.

"No, that's not -"

"That's exactly what you said," I smile, enjoying seeing the fierce prince's ears turn slightly red.

"It doesn't matter what I said," he says as he quickly stands up. "Your feet should be okay. But I'll make sure a doctor checks you later. I'll get Mindy to send cleaners here."

He turns and walks away. And I'd be damned if I let that happen again. I grab his hand forcefully, he swivels and ends up facing me. His arms on the counter, on either side of my hip. His bare chest was close enough to touch. His face inches from mine.

"Aren't you going to ask me why I was cooking at six in the morning when I clearly don't know how to?"

"You can do whatever you want, Metawin."

"Be careful about saying that, my Prince. I may just do it."

His gaze darkens and I cannot quite tell if it was anger? Did that anger him?

Flirting clearly wasn't going to work on Bright. So I go for honesty. Anything to keep him here. "Look, I thought maybe if I cooked for you, you'd at least smile at me. That's all."

"I wouldn't call this cooking," he smirks.

"Remind me to stop listening to Dara."

Bright tenses and I wanted to hit my forehead with the nearest frying pan.

"You should go back to your room, Metawin. This needs to be cleaned up."

I pout. "How? My feet are in bandages."

"I'll ask the guards to assist you."

"Just say you're not strong enough to carry me."

"Excuse me?"

"Your muscles are probably all for show. You're right, the guards would probably do a better job."

"Why would the guards carry you?"

"I can't walk with bandaged feet. You know, I did see a guard by the east gardens who had like really big arms and thick thighs? I'm sure he'd be able to lift me up easily and-"

Bright backed into me. He slung my arms across his hard chest. "Legs around my waist now," he barks.

I smile before following.

"Hold on tight," he orders. As he starts to move, carrying me on his broad, muscular back as if I were a child.

I bury my face in his nape and breathe in the scent of his aftershave. "I will never let go," I answer.

He does not respond but am pretty sure I saw him smile.

- - -
Author's Note:

I know! I am sorry! But work was just extremely hectic recently. We've been working weekends and nights. 😭😭😭

I haven't even seen Astrophile. I am so behind KinnPorsche. Huhuhu!

But thankfully today is pretty free. And hopefully the week is kinder. I'll update as soon as I can.

Happy weekend everyone! 😊😊😊
Welcome home Win!