MILA By the start of my first day, I had twenty new ideas to incorporate into the menu, hoping to make my mark at my new job. But things were proving difficult. Samara, as executive chef and owner, was often busy, and did not have time to chat with me most days. She had been nice enough to tell
MILA Felix was here. I swear the stone around my neck heated at the thought. Samara walked over to my station and frowned. “Why are you chopping vegetables?” she asked. Fiona quickly interjected. “It’s only her second day, Samara. She needs time before she’s ready to do anything else.” Sam
MILA As Samara led me and Fiona out to the main dining room, I could feel my heart hammering in my throat. I could only pray that I wouldn’t have to say anything or look at the Prince. And that I didn’t just burst into tears on the spot. Would Felix recognize me? I was quite literally carrying h
FELIX “Are you certain this woman is your Destined Bride?” my mother asked breathlessly. I nodded. I swear a small tear formed in the corner of her eye. “Once I have, I will bring her to the palace,” I believe this would be fast, since there were no reason for her to hide from me. “The Great W
On the day of the competition, I awoke early. I’d barely slept, the anxiety of the day keeping me awake. I put on my mask and the stone necklace and made my way to the bus that was to take us to the castle. Fresonia was known for its royal castle. It looked like something out of a fairy tale–glitt
MILA Samara nodded, still eyeing me. Once the rest of the team was gathered, I took a deep breath. “Somehow, the prickly pear supply has gone missing,” I explained, receiving quite a few horrified gasps in response. “So instead, we will be doing zest from the skin of a lime on top of the pie. Yo
“That’s enough.” Felix’s voice was firm, and as he stood, all the attention in the room rushed to him. A prince, through and through. My face was scarlet behind my mask, and I was fighting back tears. What was supposed to be my greatest triumph had turned into yet another embarrassment. Maybe Nadi
MILA After Felix left the room, everyone just looked at each other, still in a state of shock. Apparently, the royal temper tantrum thrown by Charles was something unusual. Even Felix had seemed rattled, and that had set everyone else on edge. I stared at the ground, wondering if I tried hard enou