The Last Meal Before War
The next two hours were a blur of heat, steam, and focus for Lily. She spent them entirely in the kitchen, pouring her heart into every detail of Benjamin's meal. Despite the grueling pace, her mind never strayed far from the thought of the young prince going to war. He was only eight years old, and yet his determination to fight alongside his father was unwavering. It made her heart ache.
Lily wiped her brow as she leaned over the sizzling pan, carefully turning the medium-rare fatty lamb steak, watching it sear to perfection. The rich smell of the juicy meat filled the kitchen, and she could almost imagine how much Benjamin would enjoy it. She moved to the side to prepare the creamy mashed potatoes, ensuring they were whipped to a smooth, velvety texture. This was no ordinary meal-this was her way of showing she cared, even though she couldn't protect him from the dangers ahead.
As she plated the meal, she made sure every detail was perfect: the steak, glistening with juices, was laid alongside a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes. The dish looked fit for royalty, but it was more than just food. It was her way of supporting him, even when words failed her.
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Three in the Afternoon
Lily carefully balanced the tray as she carried the meal through the palace halls. Her heart pounded, both from the effort of carrying the heavy dishes and from her growing worry about Benjamin. She hadn't stopped thinking about him the entire time she cooked. His cold demeanor, his desire to go to war at such a young age-it unsettled her in ways she couldn't fully understand.
As she approached his room, she whispered to herself, "I hope he likes it." She took a deep breath and knocked softly on the door. "Your majesty, it's Lily. I have your meal."
"Get in," came Benjamin's familiar, cold voice from within.
Lily pushed the door open, stepping inside with the tray of food in her hands. The room was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the fireplace in the corner. Benjamin stood near the window, his back to her, his hands resting on the sill as he gazed out over the sprawling kingdom. The weight of his decision to go to war seemed to hang in the air around him.
She set the tray down on the table, arranging the dishes carefully before stepping back. "The dishes look fancy and tasty," she said softly, trying to lighten the mood, though her voice carried an edge of worry. "And of course, fatty. I hope you enjoy it, your majesty."
Benjamin turned slowly, his expression as unreadable as ever. His cold blue eyes scanned the meal for a moment before he nodded. "Thank you," he said, his voice curt but polite.
He sat down at the table, his movements deliberate, almost mechanical. Picking up his fork and knife, he cut into the steak, the juices running out onto the plate. Lily stood back, watching him with a mixture of anticipation and concern. Every bite he took felt like a small victory for her, but she couldn't shake the growing tension between them.
"How is it, your majesty?" she asked quietly after a few moments of silence.
Benjamin paused, chewing thoughtfully before replying. "It's perfect," he said simply, though his voice lacked the warmth that might have made the compliment more genuine. Still, Lily could tell he meant it, in his own way.
Relief washed over her, but the concern in her heart remained. She watched him eat in silence for a few more moments, then spoke again, unable to hold back her thoughts any longer.
"Your majesty... are you sure you're ready for war? You're so young, and the dangers...," she trailed off, not wanting to sound like she was doubting him, but unable to stop herself from speaking her mind.
Benjamin paused mid-bite, his gaze shifting to meet hers. For a brief second, something flickered in his eyes-something almost human. But then it was gone, replaced by the same coldness he always wore like armor.
"I've been preparing for this for years," he said firmly, setting his fork down. "The dangers don't concern me, and neither should they concern you. This is what I'm meant to do."
Lily bit her lip, unsure of how to respond. She knew better than to argue with him. He had made up his mind, and nothing she said would change that. But she couldn't shake the feeling that beneath his steely exterior, he was still a child-still vulnerable in ways he didn't want to admit.
"I understand," she said softly, though her heart ached with worry. "Just... be careful, your majesty. Please."
Benjamin looked at her for a long moment, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if he were studying her. Then, with a small nod, he spoke again. "I will. And thank you for the meal, Lily. It was exactly what I needed."
Lily gave him a small, sad smile. "I'm glad, your majesty."
She turned to leave, but before she reached the door, Benjamin's voice stopped her.
"Lily."
She turned back to face him. "Yes, your majesty?"
"If something happens to me during the war," he began, his voice quieter than usual, "I want you to know that you've served me well. Better than anyone else in this palace."
Her breath caught in her throat. "Your majesty... don't say such things."
But Benjamin only shrugged, as if the possibility of his own death was just another fact of life. "I'm simply being realistic."
Lily's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she forced herself to remain composed. "Nothing will happen to you, your majesty. You'll return victorious, I'm sure of it."
Benjamin said nothing more, turning his attention back to his meal as if the conversation had ended. Lily bowed her head slightly, then left the room, her heart heavy with unspoken fears.
As she walked down the hallway, the weight of the war seemed to press down on her. Benjamin was strong-stronger than any child she had ever known-but war had a way of breaking even the strongest. She could only hope that when he returned, he would still be the same boy she cared for... and not someone hardened by the horrors of battle.
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End of Chapter 3
