ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 94

" What's this? ," Alan asked as he looked with curiosity but not distaste at the thick fragrant oatmeal like substance that one of the maids placed before him with a warm smile that morning as he sat in his hated wheelchair at the breakfast table along with Nicholas, his sons Alexi and Maxim , Maxim's wife Natasha who was beginning to look a little more healthy that day , Matilda in her own " bed rest induced" wheelchair and Nanny who was regarding the breakfast food with pleasure.

Nicholas smiled kindly at the boy. " Since we have a special guest in the house today I instructed the cook to prepare some traditional foods from the country of Eldermere for our meals. This is one of their beloved breakfast foods. It is a hearty  porridge made of elderberries, raspberries and walnuts. It is generally eaten with cream. Although our cream does not come directly from the award winning dairy cows in their country. I find it very tasty myself. The prince's father King Alaric used to prepare it in our dormitory common area kitchen space at Oxford many years ago. He very much enjoyed preparing food although he did not get to partake of that pleasure much back home in Eldermere. The royal family is not allowed in the kitchen. It is very much frowned upon. Alaric was always a rebel though and had his chef teach him the culinary arts at age eleven. " He smiled slightly as he recalled his best friend's youthful eager days in the kitchen. Including some of his overly enthusiastic mishaps. " I believe this is Cedric's favorite for breakfast. "

Alan put  a tentative scoop of it on his spoon and swallowed it gingerly. Then he smiled. It was actually very good, he thought as he began to eat more heartily.

Natasha shook her head and pursed her lips. " I do not care for their food. Too hearty and common people like. And , why is there a servant at the table with us , Father? "

Maxim glanced at Nanny who ate serenely and then his wife with a distressed expression on his handsome young face. " Natasha, that is very rude."

Natasha sighed deeply. " It is not. I swear , Maxim , you can be so contrary at times. "

Matilda pushed away her bowl of porridge in disdain in favor of her herbal tea , saying," I was actually wondering that myself. Don't they usually eat in the kitchen, Nicholas, dear ? '

Alexi , frowning at his laptop where he read an email from Scott saying that he didn't want to move into the house with him, said casually," It seems rudeness is contagious this morning. "

Nicholas said firmly," Nanny is not a servant per se. She is not here as Prince Cedric's governess because he is a grown man of twenty five and does not require one any longer. She performs more as his companion, I believe. And , my godson requested that she take her meals with himself and the rest of us. "

Alexi , after sending a scathing response to Scott which he regretted soon after , idly asked," Where is the prince this morning? His beloved porridge is getting cold. Which I don't believe will improve the quality of it. Luckily I prefer only coffee in the morning. Lots and lots of coffee. "

Nanny replied warmly," Oh , the dear boy has never been an early riser. Ever since he was a mere babe put in my arms in the nursery at Castle Ashton. Such a sweet natured baby. I suppose he will be coming in to dine with us shortly though. The time difference has not played easily with us. " She smiled mischievously. " Ned was particularly grumpy this morning. "

At the conclusion of her words the door to the dining room opened and in strode the man in question in a loose fitting white cotton shirt over fairly tight black designer jeans, his black hair restrained securely  in a tightly coiled French braid that hung almost to his mid back. As he stopped moving in the doorway everyone in the room, with the obvious exception of Alan and Matilda , rose to their feet and proceeded to bow at the presence of Prince Cedric.

Cedric sighed almost in annoyance. " Oh , please, do be seated. I so hate all this fuss. In private I just want to be treated like everyone else. "

Matilda purred ," Don't we all , darling? " With an elegant toss of her hand towards the empty chair beside her, she said regally ," Do sit beside me, your highness. "

Nicholas looked at her and then his godson, saying," Actually, I believe you should sit beside my sons instead, Cedric. You all have not seen each other in many ages. Alexi , Maxim, you should take him along with you to the company. Give him a tour and instruct him in the world of business. And , I have arranged for Nigel to meet you all around noon for lunch. It is, of course, Richard and Nigel's food , but it shall be catered in your office, Alexi , for privacy sake. "

Alexi made a face briefly before remembering his aversion to developing wrinkles and corrected it. " Father, I have a rather busy schedule today. I don't think I will have time for lunch. "

Nicholas smiled thinly. " I spoke to your secretary. She has shifted your schedule around accordingly and, yes , now you do have time for lunch with your brothers and the prince. Do be seated , Cedric. "