6: Break

Minimal chatter filled the hall as Isana parted from the Kaarella’s to help prepare dinner. It was a custom in her castle that even royalty helped the kitchen staff when there were guests. That role fell mostly on her shoulders since she was the only female remaining in the bloodline, but she took comfort knowing her mother had done the same.

It also gave her a moment to breathe. She wanted to retreat to somewhere more familiar. No other suitor had made her feel so suffocated yet intrigued at the same time.

Isana heard the chairs pull out and scrap against the marble flooring as all the men took their seats.

“Where is the Princess going?” King Salvador questioned.

“My daughter likes to keep busy.” King Alaric chuckled lightheartedly. “It is somewhat of a custom here that we help our staff when we can.”

“I don’t think I have heard of such before.” He pondered at the information as he relaxed into the cushioned dining chair.

“I am sorry if it offends you.” King Alaric apologized in hopes of keeping the peace. There was no doubt that more conflicts would arise with how little information each kingdom had about the other. It had been years since either had interacted with the other.

“Not at all.” Bastian watched Isana depart with a simper, admiring how the curtain of her dress swayed behind her.

“It’s, in fact, admirable.” King Salvador continued. “Given that we arrived unannounced. I’m sure they could use another hand.”

Hearing their approval caused Isana to exhale. She hadn’t even realized that she was holding her breath. There had been instances before where other suitors had criticized the custom, even royalty, that lived within Slasian borders. It hurt to hear when others disapproved because it was something she enjoyed doing. She wanted to help and interact with her staff. Her father and mother did not grow up royalty; they had worked hard and sacrificed so much to hold the Slasian crescent power.

If Isana was to be the next Queen, she would have to win the hearts of the people who elected her father. Respect between the rulers and the ruled was essential. She was for them and did not believe they were there to serve her.

The ceiling-high doors opened once again as she left the room. The Princess’s eyes briefly met Lukas’s, who was standing guard on the other side. Both of them pretended they did not notice the other’s presence.

It was agonizing to do so. Staring into his eyes had been second nature for the entirety of her life. They had been childhood friends, best friends, and lovers. And now that her destiny had arrived, she was forced to forget it, to ignore him and everything they shared.

Would the pain ever go away? Would she ever not miss him? Isana felt Lukas's gaze on her back, and even if she wanted to glance over her shoulder, she kept her composure.

It would not be fair to give him hope.

The kitchen was only down the hall. She heard the chatter before she reached the entrance. All she could afford to think about was preparing the meal. Not him, not the memories, not right now.

The young Princess was relieved when she entered the kitchen, as her senses were immediately immersed with comfort. It was much warmer in the kitchen, and it smelled marvelous, signaling that the chicken in the oven was almost ready. Water had been brought to a boil in two large pots. The sound of a knife against wood echoed across the stone walls as the vegetables were prepped.

“Your highness!” Edith, the main palace chef, stopped chopping a carrot and turned at the sound of her arrival. Her smile spread from cheek to cheek, flashing her perfect, pearly white teeth. Originally from the Circea kingdom, Edith was a sweet older lady who offered her trade skills to the Slasians since before Isana was born. “You scared me!” She shrieked with happiness. Isana knew Edith would have given her a hug if there wasn't food splattered on her apron. Regardless, her silky black coils bounced as she nodded her head in a friendly gesture.

“What are you doing here so early?” Gwenyth, another staff member, and midwife looked over her shoulder from stirring the vegetable soup. She had also been a staff member since before Isana was born and the very woman that helped birth her. Gwenyth had freckles covering her pale skin and long braided ginger hair. “We don’t want your dress to get dirty yet!”

“I came to help.” Isana stuck her tongue out, reaching down to fold her dress up one roll so it did not brush against the tiled floor. “Why else would I be here?”

“To beg for scraps like you always do!” Edith laughed, waving her over with a genuine smile.

Arlo, the butcher, chuckled when he saw Isana standing at the door. He was born and raised in the Legan kingdom and claimed to have skin as tan as his homeland's sand. Arlo was a tall, muscular man who was incredibly intimidating at first glance, yet everyone that knew him called him a sweetheart. Soon after his hire, he was labeled the castle's gentle giant, who took great care of every animal that passed through the castle’s farm.

He ducked his head when he walked through the opposite entrance that came from the pasture. “Can’t you smell it, young lady? The chickens are almost done.”

The young Princess shook her head, chuckling as she approached Edith’s side. “Why do you tease me every single time? I always help!”

“We aren’t daft!” Arlo peeked inside the oven to observe how far along the chickens were. “You always help more when you’re uncomfortable.”

Isana shrugged her shoulders as she started to help chop up the remaining cheese and vegetables laid on the counter. She placed them carefully on the wooden tray in a pleasing pattern to the eye, making sure to leave enough room for the incoming meat.

“I’m not uncomfortable this time.” She sighed as she worked. “They just traveled far and are hungry.”

The Princess knew that all three of them did not believe her statement. It was only partially the truth. She wasn’t necessarily uncomfortable with their presence, just overwhelmed. Edith, Arlo, and Gwenuyth all watched Isana out of the corner of their eyes, noticing how attentive she became with the food arrangements, confirming that all the dishes were also without a speck of leftover food.

“Well?” Edith nudged Isana after she had laid the knife in her hand down. “What are they like?”

Isana kept her eyes on the table, continuing to stack the dishes onto the main gold-trimmed tray that would carry it all. She also had to prepare placements for Kaarella’s army general, along with another plate for Gerold. There would be six of them total.

“The big conversation will happen when dinner is served. Though the Kaarella's attire is somewhat barbaric, both Bastian and Salvador are respectable from our short discussion.” Isana found herself blushing, not wanting to smile while relaying the information to her friends. If they noticed, they would surely tease her till no end.

“Respectable?” Arlo raised his eyebrows. “That’s a first.”

The gentle giant was correct, as history had repeated itself many times before. This was the first instance where Isana hadn't burst into the kitchen with hurdling insults and complaints about the men who wanted to marry her. She had never been close to satisfied with any of her potential suitors. This was the first time she had remained calm enough to speak a single compliment.

It was apparent that Gwenyth could not hold in her chatter any longer. She had wished for Isana to find someone she liked for as long as she could remember. Now that the Princess had refrained from insulting the royalty, she burst into a childish giggle. “We overheard some of the younger ladies talking. Is the Prince as handsome as they claimed?”

Isana bit down on her lip, trying to keep her eye roll minimal. “Yes.”

“Yay!” Gwenyth clapped a little too loudly.

“That’s great news, dear.” Edith chimed in. Both older ladies were close enough with the Princess to show their approval of her growth. Though it had never been spoken aloud, they had become motherly figures for Isana, and she cared for both of them deeply. She cared deeply about their opinions on her actions.

“Just because I said he was handsome doesn't mean it's settled,” Isana said with a straight face. “You all know where he comes from. There are many manners to settle that I wish to avoid.”

Arlo’s eyes were kind as he studied the flustered Princess. It was clear that her emotionless expression was forced, for her eyes, even though they were averted, were soft and appreciative of how openly she could express herself amongst the staff. “Perhaps this is a sign that times will change.”

Her lips upturned at his wise words. “The chickens are done now, right Arlo?” Her teasing caused him to turn back to the oven.

“Just right, my lady.” He snatched the oven mitt off the table and proceeded to pull out the chicken carcasses. They were perfectly golden brown and free from all feathers, causing Isana’s mouth to water as she watched him flawlessly lather butter oil along the skin.

The Princess studied her surroundings, mentally checking each item off her list. She knew Edith and Gwenyth would never forget the things required for dinner, yet, she was nervous and found relief checking it over herself.

It had to be perfect. Though part of her despised the idea of the dinner going well, Isana knew it was in her best interest to see it through, to at least give them a chance. The Kaarella’s could be the answer to what she had been searching for. The marriage could be. It could bring peace.

“Stop fretting, Isana.” Edith rested her hand on the Princess’s shoulder while her free hand was already balancing a tray stacked with the finest China. “It will be okay. If you cannot do it, then nobody can.”

Isana gripped the wooden palate between her palms and steadied the weight, practicing perfect balance like the many times she had before. Once Edith pulled away, she hoisted the food atop her shoulder for support.

“I think if we swapped places, you’d be able to, Edith.” The young Princess teased, forcing the pessimistic thoughts aside. She had to be in the moment, to only think about her present words and actions. It was best to focus solely on that, to poise herself and direct her comments with indisputable persuasion.

Her life and future, along with the friends that surrounded her, depended on King Salvador’s approval. Standing with the people in her kingdom she loved dearly, was enough to remind her that she wasn't only doing this for herself.

“Oh, child, you flatter me!” Edith smiled. “I’ll stick to what I know best--cooking.”

Gwenyth and Arlo followed behind Isana, managing to grab all the remaining dishes so there would be no need for a second trip back. That was how they liked to do it.

All four of them balanced the dishes in their arms, their laughter over-taking the silence that had previously gripped the hallways.

The Princess felt a sudden peace within her heart. She was no longer nervous, deciding to put just an ounce of faith in herself and her abilities. And because of that, when she approached the intimidatingly tall wooden doors, Isana realized that was the first time she did not think of Lukas, even if he was standing right beside her.