A Dove's Tale

Chapter 148

"And how are Leon and Theresa?"

"Still dating," I said, taking a moment to rest my arm from stirring. "I was a little worried she was just trying to make Jin jealous at first, but she and Leon really have a lot of fun together."

"Well, good for them," Mrs. Stotts said. "Here, let me have that."

The first week of October was coming to an end. No green remained on the trees, and the falling leaves paired with a constant chill in the air reminded all that winter was on its way. It was perfect weather for spending time in a warm, cozy kitchen with Mrs. Stotts, surrounded by simplicity and memories, catching up and baking cookies while Licht and the kids played outside.

"It's a shame Prince Nokto couldn't come," Mrs. Stotts commented. She'd rolled her sleeves up past her elbows, as had I, and the muscles in her bared forearm bunched and flexed as she stirred. "You said their birthday is in a few days?"

I nodded as I licked some cookie dough from my finger. "Nokto and Luke are in Benitoite on business, but Luke said he'll make sure they're back in time for the party. I just don't have the strength to stir like that anymore."

"Of course you don't," she said, smiling knowingly. "You can't keep muscles if you don't use them. Why don't you take over dropping the cookie dough?"

I ducked my head to hide my blush while I took up the spoon. Now and then, she or Belle or Theresa would say something like that, and although I knew they just meant I didn't have to work anymore, it sounded like they were calling me lazy. Or spoiled. Not that anybody could accuse me of being lazy. I wasn't doing manual labor anymore, but I still heard complaints at least once a week that I was too busy and I studied too hard.

Spoiled, on the other hand...

That was definitely accurate.

It came with being a princess engaged to the king, of course, and even more so since we actually loved each other. Whenever I tried to complain about it, Chevalier unapologetically told me he wanted to spoil me. And I couldn't say I didn't like his attention.

"Are you still going to church?" Mrs. Stotts asked.

"Yes, I am," I confirmed, dropping the next dollop of dough on the baking sheet. "I feel too out of place all dressed up like a princess in a chapel full of servants, though, so I've started wearing my plainer dresses when I go."

"So, you're still going alone?"

I shrugged. "The royal family hasn't been religious for a long time. Occasionally, visiting nobility comes to church, but otherwise, it's just me and the servants. But I don't mind," I hastened to add, noticing the unintended downturn in my tone. "Chevalier may not believe the same things I do, but he knows how important this is to me."

"Hm."

"I still don't know what to get him for his birthday," I hurried on, not wanting to linger on that pensive hum. "But I found out he's the only one, other than Licht, who doesn't have birthday parties. It's just because he doesn't like them, though, and now that he's the king, he really should have a party—if not for him, then for everybody who wants to show their appreciation for him. So, maybe I could plan one he'd like. And we could have a private dinner before the party, or maybe on another day, just the two of us."

She chuckled. "If you're planning it, I'm sure he'll love it."

"Do you think so?" I asked, looking up at her hopefully.

Her dark chocolate eyes sparkled as she set the bowl on the table and picked up her oven mitts. "If you're involved in any way, he'll love it, Ivetta. I think the first batch is ready."