Uncrowned Princess

10

As the bustling day in the hotel kitchen wound down. As Ethan was about to enter the locker room, Ronald called out to him.

"Ethan, a word in my office, please."

Ethan nodded and followed Ronald into his office overlooking the hotel's grand lobby. Ronald settled behind his desk and gestured for Ethan to take a seat.

"How's Isabella doing?" Ronald asked, leaning forward with interest.

Ethan considered for a moment before responding. "She has a strong drive to work, that's for sure. She's doing well, but she needs close supervision. She's... spirited."

Ronald chuckled. "Ah, yes. That sounds like her. Listen, Ethan, there's something you should know. Isabella is the daughter of an old friend of mine."

Ethan's eyebrows rose slightly, but he remained silent.

"I'd appreciate it if you could help her along, show her the ropes," Ronald continued. "But don't be too hard on her. She's new to all this."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Ronald, you know me. I never play favorites with my team. They're all equal in my eyes, and Isabella needs to understand that. I'm sorry, but I can't offer any special treatment."

Ronald nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I expected you'd say that. It's why I trust you with my kitchen. Just... keep an eye on her, will you?"

"Of course," Ethan agreed. He paused for a moment, then added, "Actually, I have a favor to ask. I need tomorrow off to take care of some issues at the bar. Is that alright?"

Ronald waved his hand dismissively. "Certainly, certainly. You've more than earned it. Just make sure everything's set for your absence."

Ethan stood, nodding his thanks. As he reached the door, Ronald called out once more.

"And Ethan? Thank you for giving Isabella a chance. I have a feeling she might surprise us all."

Ethan's mind flashed to Isabella's defiant gaze and unwavering spirit. "I have no doubt about that," he murmured, more to himself than to Ronald, as he left the office.

As Ethan walked back towards the kitchen, his thoughts were a whirlwind.

Meanwhile, Isabella finished cleaning the last of the dishes. She stretched her aching back and sighed with relief, "Oh! Finally. I'm done." Glancing at her hands, she grimaced. "Another day like this and I'll have scales instead of skin."

She dried her hands and reached for the strings of her apron, ready to call it a day. Just then, Ethan appeared in the doorway, his presence filling the room.

"Keep it on," he said, nodding at her apron. "You're not finished yet."

Isabella's eyes narrowed. "What now?"

Ethan gestured to the floor. "It needs cleaning."

"Cleaning isn't my job," Isabella protested, anger flashing in her hazel-green eyes.

"It is," Ethan countered, his voice firm. "Everyone in the kitchen takes turns cleaning. It's your turn, and you have tomorrow off."

Isabella let out a short, humorless laugh. "What's next? Want me to work on my day off? Maybe hand-feed the guests while I'm at it?"

Ethan's lips twitched, almost smiling. "Tempting, but no." He turned to leave, then paused in the doorway. " I'll check your work in the morning. Goodnight." He gave a casual wave.

"Bad night, boss," Isabella called after him, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

Ethan stopped and slowly turned back. He approached Isabella, closing the distance between them until they were mere inches apart. The air crackled with tension.