❦ Chapter Twenty One: Charlotte ❦

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The sun beams down through the tall windows, casting golden rays across the dining hall, where the table is set with an elegant spread. The fragrance of freshly cooked dishes—roasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans—mixes with the delicate scent of wildflowers decorating the table. Jameson is busy at the stove, meticulously plating the food, while Sebastian uncorks a bottle of wine, the liquid glistening as it pours into polished glasses. Oliver, with his usual quiet precision, arranges the silverware, ensuring everything is in perfect order.

The three of them have put so much effort into this meal, and I can't help but feel a little lighter, if only for a moment. I've been craving a sense of normalcy, something to anchor me amidst the chaos of The Crowns Choice, and this feels almost like a small escape.

"Princess, you look stunning," Jameson says, turning to me with a warm smile as I step into the room. "We're glad you could join us."

I return his smile, feeling a flicker of genuine warmth. "Thank you for inviting me. It's nice to have a break from everything."

"We figured you could use a little downtime," Sebastian says, his voice smooth as he offers me a glass of wine. "And what better way than with good food and even better company?"

I accept the glass, taking a small sip, the rich flavour spreading warmth through me. "You three have really outdone yourselves. I didn't know cooking was part of The Crowns Choice process."

"Only for those of us who like to go the extra mile," Oliver says with a gentle smile, pulling out a chair for me. "We wanted to make sure tonight was special."

As I take my seat, I can't help but feel a pang of guilt for how distant I've been. They've all been trying so hard, and here I am, barely holding it together.

"Honestly," I say, looking around at each of them, "I appreciate this more than you know. It's been...a lot lately, and I needed this."

Jameson grins, placing the last of the dishes on the table. "Then let's make it a night to remember."

The conversation starts light, with Jameson and Sebastian swapping stories about their most disastrous attempts at cooking in the past. Jameson recounts a time he nearly set fire to his kitchen trying to make a flambé, which earns a round of laughter. Even Oliver joins in, sharing a story about his failed attempt at baking a cake for his sister's birthday that turned into a brick.

"I don't know how she managed to eat a slice without breaking a tooth," Oliver says, shaking his head with a soft chuckle.

"She must really love you," I reply, laughing along with them. The sound feels strange, almost foreign, but in a good way.

As we move on to the main course, the conversation shifts to more personal topics. Jameson asks about my favourite books, and we bond over a shared love of adventure stories. Sebastian teases him about his taste in literature, claiming it's too highbrow for his own liking, which prompts a mock argument that has me smiling despite myself.

"You know, Princess, we could start a book club," Jameson suggests, his tone half-joking but with an undercurrent of sincerity. "Maybe get some of the other contestants involved. It'd be a good way to unwind."

"I'd like that," I say, surprised at how much I mean it. "It would be nice to talk about something other than royal duties for a change."

"I'll hold you to it," Jameson replies with a wink, raising his glass in a small toast.

Sebastian leans back in his chair, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And maybe next time, we'll cook something a little more challenging. How do you feel about soufflés?"

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