Princess - A Love Story

Chapter 6

Strangely, not having the Queen and Philip around made Emily feel as if she was all by herself. Which she knew was ridiculous since God only knew how many staff were at the mansion at any given time. She had spoken to some friends back home and it improved her mood vastly. She scolded herself for being so chicken hearted her first few days. She had large amounts of time on her own which she spent exploring the numerous corridors. She hated the feeling of being lost three minutes after she left her room. One of her nightly expeditions brought her to the kitchens. Absently she had pushed the door open with a flourish and found several staff lounging at a work worn wooden table. She didn't know who was more horrified to see the other. They all were still, frozen for a moment, before they all scrambled to their feet. Fortunately, Zoe was there, "My lady is there something you wanted?" she asked, concern in her eyes as she came forward from the group.

"No...erm...I was just. Actually, I was exploring the, err, mansion" she admitted sheepishly. "I didn't realise this was the kitchen. I'll go," she said even as she continued to stand there watching them. She felt envious at their relaxed stance. She recognized it for what it was. The comfortable satisfaction of relaxing after a hard day's work. She was forcing herself to turn away and leave these people to their rest when – "Do I smell fish sauce? And shrimp paste?" An older man spoke up, "Yes My Lady, His Highness returned from his visit to Asia with a great an appreciation for the food and he requested we try and recreate the same here."

"Really? Can I have some" She sniffed the air and her eyes brightened. The man hesitated, "Most certainly My Lady, but I fear my efforts are not as they should be." He looked downcast. She guessed he must have been cooking for the Royals for years and nobody had ever asked him to cook outside his comfort zone.

"What are you making? Can I help?" She was almost bouncing on her heels.

"He looked at Zoe helplessly. "Wouldn't be right to have you messing about the kitchens" she said with very little conviction.

"Oh please!" Emily loved to cook. Being waited on was nice but this was something she missed.

"Oh let her," Zoe said. "Better be here under watch rather than prowling around the corridors at night," she said pointedly for Emily's benefits who grinned back incorrigibly. He gave in.

"I will be glad for your help, My Lady." He bowed briefly, "Leandro Matthias at you service."

"Very nice to meet you," Emily smiled widely. She pulled a rubber band out of her pocket and tied her hair out the way then washed her hands. "Shall we start?"

Emily became a regular feature in the kitchens. She would wander in around ten, root around in the massive refrigerator, grab a snack and a cup of tea. Sometimes she'd chat with whoever was there, sometimes she brought a book. Soon, a steaming cup of tea would be waiting for her and one day she found an old comfortable wing chair which she promptly made her own. On one such night she breezed into the kitchens and cheerily greeted everyone there. As was the norm now, they greeted her and went back to what they were doing. Emily opened the fridge and peered inside. She was in the mood for something, but couldn't quite figure it out. Suddenly she noticed the usual bustle of the kitchen had died down. She straightened up, shutting the door as she turned to see.

"Aahhhhh" she squealed. It was Philip. "Don't sneak up on people like that. You scared me!" she scolded. Then it struck her, "I thought you weren't back for another five days." He looked annoyed. "So sorry to bother you with my presence."

"That's not what I meant. Are all Princes as touchy as you?" she enquired casually.

"I am not touchy," he snapped.

"Uh huh. I can see that."

"What are you doing here Emily?"

"Me? I'm here for a snack."