II. The Impact of Her

~ Twenty-Eight ~

As I waited for Nana Olsa, I indulged myself with a giant cake.

It sat in the middle of a table near Nana Olsa's station. It was too delicious to share, so I preferred to eat it on my own.

I was too occupied with the cake when someone suddenly asked me from behind, "Robert, what are you doing?"

I turned to see Nana, shocked. "Oh, hello, Nana," I greeted as I moved back an inch.

She moved closer to me. A horrified expression rose on her face. Her eyes widened as she asked, "Robert, what have you done to the cake?"

"It was on the table and nobody was paying attention to it. So, I thought I could have a few bites," I replied. "Would you like to have some?" I offered.

"Nobody is supposed to touch that because it wasn't supposed to be touched!" Nana answered as she looked at the entire cake.

"What do you mean? Isn't this supposed to be for dinner?" I asked, baffled.

"This was for dinner but this was for the lords! Your father invited them over to celebrate their success in their trade," she explained.

"Oh! I didn't mean to!" I stood in a panic. "I'm very sorry, Nana, I didn't know! I'll fix it right now!" I continued, trying to grab the cake, which Nana quickly moved away from me.

She sighed. "There's no need for you to worry, Robert," she walked up to me and rubbed my back in comfort. "I'll have the bakers make a new one. You can finish the cake if you want to." She turned to the bakers, "William! Philip! Kindly make another cake and please put a sign that it mustn't be touched." The bakers nodded and went straight to work. She sat beside me, "And since you were already enjoying yourself, how about I join you?"

"Allow me to get you a plate and fork," I smiled, standing up. I walked to the cupboard behind us and grabbed what we needed. As I returned to the table, I put the plate and fork in front of her.

"Thank you, son," she said as she took the knife and took a slice from the cake.

I sat back down. "I think Elizabeth would like some of this when she wakes up," I suggested. "Can we have some delivered to my room? That's where Elizabeth is sleeping."

"That's a good idea, Robert! We can't finish this whole cake by ourselves, anyway. Krisha?" she called out to the maid sweeping the floor. She put the broom on the side and approached us. "Would you be so kind as to get me a plate and fork?" Nana smiled at her.

Krisha nodded and proceeded to do what Nana asked for.

"How's your day so far?" I asked.

"If we're going to talk about what I usually do here in the castle then I would say, nothing exciting," she giggled before sharing a laugh. "Are you asking about Mallory's well-being as well?"

I sighed before a nod, taking another bite from the cake.

"There's nothing wrong if you're concerned about her well-being, Robert. I know you treat her as your sister," Nana continued as she rubbed my back as comfort.

Krisha finally returned with a plate and fork. Then, Nana put two slices of cake on the empty plate. "Bring this to His Highness's room," Nana instructed, handing the plate over to her. "The princess is asleep in the prince's room. Tell her His Highness sent this for her," she continued.

Krisha nodded and put the plate and fork on a tray. Then, she went on her way.

I replied, crossing my arms on the table, "I feel like... I have no right to ask about her anymore. I do care for her, I see her as my sister. But at the same time, I'm fearful of the thought that if she found out that I asked about her well-being, she might misinterpret it. It could make her think that I'm in love with her when I'm not. She expects too much from me."