Page 18 of Markets & Mooncakes

"Of course," Mama responds. "But for the most part, we wouldn't have considered the suits anyway."

"Oh." I look down at my hands and try not to worry too much about what that means, both for me and for the kingdom.

"But as I'm sure you can appreciate, you won't be able to remain the chef here if you wish to marry my daughter."

I shift uncomfortably in my seat. It's a conversation we've had ourselves, and one that Veronica has had with me too, but that doesn't stop it from feeling uncomfortable when it's being said to Nate right in front of me.

"I understand, Your Majesty," Nate says.

"Good. Then we should ensure that there is a plan in place to make sure that you're a worthy prince consort when the time comes. There is a lot you will be required to learn. Languages, politics, riding, dancing, and etiquette."

I swallow hard. That's a list of things I hate learning about myself.

"That is something I'm willing to do, Your Majesty."

"Excellent. Then I will ensure that you have the appropriate tutors. Once you are reasonably educated in the basics, we can discuss a title."

I blink a couple of times. "You want to give Nate a title?"

Nate clears his throat, seeming to snap out of a daze. "That is very kind, Your Majesty, but I don't require a title in order to wish to marry Princess Evelyn."

I hate hearing him say my name like that, but I understand that he has to. "He could use one of mine?" I suggest. "I'm not using them."

Mama sighs. "That's not how titles work, Evelyn. Your titles belong to you, and when you marry, your spouse will be entitled to use their styles, but that is only after you are married. It will be necessary for Chef Matthews to have one before then. We'll want there to be a reasonable amount of time between your betrothal and your wedding, perhaps a year, maybe two. If Chef Matthews is to be at court functions during that time, then it would be proper for him to have a title of some kind."

I look over at Nate, hoping that the revelation isn't going to scare him away from me. The last thing I want is to lose him because Mama is insisting on this.

"I understand, Your Majesty," he says.

"Good. Then we are in agreement. I shall send a message with when your lessons are to begin." She rises to her feet, making both of us do the same so that we can bow to her. "Don't be too late retiring, Evelyn. The Shengdanese ambassador arrives tomorrow and you need to have plenty of rest before then."

"Yes, Mama," I respond, forgetting to address her properly.

She gives me a surprisingly warm smile. "And drink your tea."

I frown, wondering if she saw the teacups by the sink in the other room and correctly guessed that we drank tea earlier. But that doesn't make sense. Not when they're already empty.

After a moment, it hits me that she means the accident tea, and my cheeks turn red in response. I haven't been drinking it at all because there's no need to, but it still feels a little strange to be reminded to drink it, especially in front of Nate.

She takes her leave, sweeping out of the door with the confidence of someone who owns the castle. Which I suppose she does.

"Are you all right?" Nate asks, coming over to me and pulling me into his arms.

"Why wouldn't I be all right?"

"Well, the Queen came down here and basically told us we're getting married."

I swallow hard. "We knew that already, didn't we?" I look up into his warm brown eyes, realising as I do that the idea doesn't scare me very much when I think about it in regards to him.

"Yes. But it would appear that there's a timeline."

"I don't really understand why. I don't have to get married to secure the succession. I can just have a baby." I frown as I say the words. "Is that something you want?"

"I don't know," he admits. "Do you want a baby?"

"I don't know, I haven't given it very much thought," I admit. "They seem rather loud."

He laughs. "I can see why that would be a deterrent for you."