My Lady Chef

Ely's POV:

Mysterious Cake-Maker.

An alias he made up to protect my reputation since it was the deal he made with my husband. Baking is a unique field of expertise I tampered with as a child and I remember honing it whenever I could not think of anything creative to cook.

Making cakes for the Palace helps me recall various cake recipes I have perfected over the years.

I had a servant serve me a tart, croissant, and a slice of a lemon meringue cheesecake.

I tasted everything and they were really moist and delicious. The tart's base was buttery and falls apart in your mouth while the pastry cream and fruits were delicious. The croissant was flaky and the rich dark chocolate piped in was heavenly with a nice cup of coffee. The lemon meringue cheesecake was a perfect mix of tart and creamy tastiness.

I saw the Princess eat the Chiffon Swirl Cake and a Chocolate Mousse Tart, a slight blush of pleasure blooming in her cheeks. She likes desserts very much and so does everyone.

The clink of utensils, the steady flow of amiable chatter, and the moans of enjoyment as the platters were all empty save for a few desserts which will be given to the servants to eat later on I am sure. When the time came for the cake to be sliced. Everyone gasped at the swirling pattern of the cake layers as it was cut. The sugar wafers and chocolate was distributed evenly amongst the guests.

I tasted the sample cake and frosting I made beforehand so when I ate a slice of it, the rich fluffy cake sponge just melted in my mouth and the rich dark chocolate buttercream just fits well with it. "My word, I do wonder how was this done?"

"These beautiful flowers are made entirely of chocolate, such a delicate skill the cake maker has."

"Delicious! The sponge and frosting as simpler divine!"

"I wonder who he is. This type of cake design is not the work of anyone ordinary at all."

A slight blush made me savor every bite as the air around the table became mellow and full of joy as everyone had a smile on their faces.

My gaze then collided with the Prince, whose handsome face smiled at me with a very satisfied expression before his attention was diverted to another guest.

This is my purpose and joy. To see the people loving my food and desserts are always the highlight of my life.

Regardless of my status, I am truly a chef at heart.

After the banquet was done the night progressed to people dancing to the music played by the orchestra hired for the party or retreating to the smaller drawing rooms for games and more social mingling. I was suddenly summoned to the most secluded drawing-room by a servant under Prince Belmont's order.

I was about to leave and wondered where I could find him so that I can leave but I guess he saved me the trouble.

The room I was led into was more spacious and smelled of new furniture. Main immediately secured the front door as I took a seat and waited for the Prince to arrive.

He came not too soon after. His cape was gone and he moved around easily; gone was the polite princely face and in its place was a more amiable expression.

"That was an excellent array of desserts. Lady Alaina. I was most impressed." Belmont's voice was less formal and more friendly. "I was most curious...how did you do the cake? It was something really...artsy. Most of the guests could not bring themselves to eat it."

I accepted his gratitude as he and I planned for the next delivery of cakes to the Royal Palace.

"You should open a cake shop. Many of the attendees today have been sending their servants to question my household on where I am getting the cakes."

"An interesting notion. I might do that but not right now. I will need a dedicated baker and patisserie to manage & make the cakes. "I pointed out the reasons. "So far, there are not a lot of chefs or people who can do delicate work on cake."

"True. Your talent is indeed that of a fairy. The cakes were all but, the pastries and sweets are currently being fought over by the kitchen staff and servants." he laughed as he took my hand and placed a drachma banknote that displayed the amount to be paid for my services.

My eyes widened at the amount. It was twice more than what I asked.

"Isn't this too much?"

"Think of it as an investment for your next project. Your skills will soon change the field of cuisine and I want a front seat to that show. " his smile was beautiful as he winked. "I can understand why Ez wants you all to himself."

The mention of my husband made me remember that I would be seeing him in a few day's time.

"You miss him, don't you?"

"Yes.."

My sadness may have shown itself because I suddenly felt him step closer to me. I felt his hand take mine as he bends down to kiss it.

"If I were your man, I would never leave you alone. A beauty such as you is a rare find amongst the ton." his eyes turned amorous as I gently pulled my hand away.

"Your words flatter me, Your Highness..." I politely kept my smile as I inched away.

"Please...call me Belmont or Bel. I hope we can be good friends so maybe we can start now?" he inched closer, his handsome face looked at me steadily.

"I think not." My voice was suddenly forceful which caused the Prince to stop his approach. "You will always be acknowledged as my husband's friend and my prince but....anything else is strictly off-limits." He seemed taken aback as his smile vanished and his blue eyes turned contemplative as he spoke carefully.

"Off limits? Even an assignation?"

I stiffened as a hot flush crept into my cheeks. Ever since my husband left for war, I have received such invitations for a rendezvous from other men. Linda had explained what assignations are and that married women do them often.

Some for the purpose of preventing boredom and having sexual fun or carrying favors from other lords in exchange for one of passion.

"Think of what I can do for you as the next king. I have never offered an assignation before and I did so because you are an extraordinary female and a favor from me will never be refused by anyone." "I know but...I will have to refuse, Your Highness." I bowed before him.

Silence reigned in the room before he laughed softly and I lifted my head to see the admiration and also..a smidge of jealousy in his fair features.

He was testing me. I knew that my husband was the crown prince's friend and his strongest supporter but to think that he would try this. Was he that bored?

"Ez has really struck gold. Beautiful, Smart and Loyal as well. You passed my test."

I could not help but feel a bit irritated but I could not very well hit a prince so I just made do with a glacial stare.

"That was not funny, Your Highness."

He actually apologized for the little trick but I was still very miffed but he explained how he had tested countless women enamored with my husband and many of them did not pass. He was genuinely happy that I was the only lady to resist him.

That lessened my animosity towards him but I still want to kick him.

But still, It was nice to know that the Prince was looking out for my husband. In his own weird way.

After we made our farewells, He left first, I walked out after a few minutes and headed towards the entrance where my carriage awaits me.

"Kain." I turned to the young man who opened the door for me. "I appoint you as my knight for my volunteer work excursion. Will you accept?"

he looked startled at my request but he recovered and bowed.

"It would be an honor, Your Grace."

As we head home, after that little moment with Prince Belmont. My thoughts suddenly conjured up Ezran and his smile that time when I saw him off. I actually missed my husband very much.