"You were worried about me?" the Emperor asked her, looking at her suspiciously.
"Yes, Your Highness, I was worried," Evie said, moving the papers to make a space and placing the pot right in front of him. And then, noticing the unmoving Emperor, she decided to remove the lid, hoping for the aroma to entice him. And just as she expected, she heard both the Emperor and Isabella inhale audibly as the nice aroma from the soup drifted into the room, overtaking the smell of ink.
She turned back out, taking a small wooden tray with a small white ceramic bowl and a spoon from Helga, and went back, placing it next to the pot. She then removed the lid from the pot completely, taking the spoon, scooping the soup from the pot to the bowl, the only sound in the study being the sound of her pouring the soup as the Emperor and Lady Isabella watched her movements, one with fury, the other with suspicion. "Your Highness, it is good to have this while it's hot, please," she said, pointing to the bowl she just filled.
"Test it first," he commanded.
"Hmm, what?" Evie asked, confused.
"Do you want me to have untested food?" he asked her.
"But we only have one spoon, Your Highness," she said.
"So remove it before me, or test it," he said, his voice absolute.
"Okay," Evie said, sighing. She took the spoon, scooped, and then put it to her lips and took a sip, and the refreshing taste hit the back of her tongue. And then she stood up and looked. "There you go, Your Highness," she said.
"His Majesty has already had the lentil soup I brought him. Why would he be interested in trying this watery—" A clank sound stopped Isabella in her tracks, and the sight before her left her unable to finish her statement. The Emperor took the spoon, dipping it in the bowl and lifting it to his lips, and took a sip, and his hand paused as he stared at Evie with a look of surprise.
"How is it, Your Highness?" Evie asked. She was confident in her cooking skills, but she did not know his palate, which is why she settled for the soup.
The Emperor didn't reply, but he went back to scooping the soup again and again, the movement from hand to mouth increasing, and in a few moments he finished the bowl and looked up at Evie standing there with a smile, pleased that he liked it. "What are you waiting for?" he said, pointing to the pot and back to his empty bowl, and Evie rushed forward, taking the spoon and filling his bowl again.
The whole study room turned quiet, the only sound was of sipping and bowl and spoon colliding. "Your Majesty, ... is it that good?" Lady Isabella asked, looking at her lentil soup, which was half full when the maid was called to clear the table. "Can I try?" she said, moving closer to the table.
The Emperor finally raised his head, which was buried in the soup bowl, taking in a deep breath. "There is only one spoon and bowl, as you can see, Isabella," he said. "If you want soup, I will ask the head chef to make you some," he said and went back to sipping the soup.
Lady Isabella's eyes widened big, almost comically, as she looked at the Emperor gulping down all the soup with a look of disbelief. Evie, on the other hand, was so pleased.
"What is this made of?" the Emperor asked as he finished the last drop.
"It's a bone broth, Your Highness," Evie replied.
"I will ask Arthur to send you a gift. You will be rewarded for your care," he said, the corner of his lip lifting up.
"Thank you, Your Highness. It is my responsibility to care for you," she said. "I do not want any gift for that, but would like to ask you for something else," she added, her voice soft.
"What is it?" the Emperor questioned, his eyebrow lifting.
Evie shifted uncomfortably, looking at Lady Isabella. "I would like to tell you that privately, if you don't mind," Evie said. She wanted to ask him to postpone the welcome party alone because she was ready to beg if he rejected her, but with company, it was a bit embarrassing.
"Okay, if that's what you want," Evie thought and bowed. "Thank you, Your Highness, for everything: accepting this humble one into the royal family and even thinking of holding a debut party for me. Arthur informed me that the party will be held on Wednesday, which is less than thirty-five hours. I have lots to learn and prepare for, so I humbly request you to postpone the party." She saw now a complete 180-degree bow.
The study room turned quiet for what felt like forever, and Evie was starting to feel her waist ache. Oh God, let him say yes, she thought as her fingers crossed.
"You will learn the rules after the party. After all, you have your whole life in the palace ahead of you. That is enough time to learn everything. As for the preparation, use the thirty-five remaining hours to prepare, and let me know if you need help," he said, shutting her off and shattering her hopes completely.
"Your Highness, I had mine a month after I joined. She is also requesting time. Please consider it," Isabella said, catching Evie by surprise. She got an unlikely support she didn't think she would from her. It's good he let her stay, Evie thought, looking at the Emperor with expectation.
"Isabella, go to your pavilion," the Emperor commanded, pointing at the gate. "You have been here most of the day. Leave," he added.
"Your Highness," Lady Isabella said, giving the Emperor a puppy expression, and Evie shivered at the sight. And when she got no reply, Isabella stormed out of the study in tears.
"You," he said, looking at Evie. "Go back to your pavilion. If not, you are welcome to spend the night here," he said.
Evie felt an electric shock run through her whole body. That was a bigger threat than the one she had, so she turned to the gate and walked, leaving the Emperor shocked.
"Elara," he called her before she reached the gate, stopping her in her tracks at how he addressed her. "I said you can also stay the night here," he reminded her, as if she didn't hear the first time.
"I don't want to impose. You are already busy as it is, Your Highness," she said, sighing with relief that it was a suggestion and not a command. And before he could reply, she turned her heels and rushed out of the door.
Evie stood at the gate of the study hall. "I will leave whether you like it or not. Mark my words," she whispered, turning to look at the study, and left with her maids in tow.