Sophie's POV
The Great Hall felt like a pressure cooker. It was ready to blow.
I stood there. I clutched my empty tray. The air hummed with the aftershocks of the meal.
Lady Elara sat frozen. Her were knuckles white. She gripped the edge of the table.
Elara looked at me. Her eyes told me I would burn. I looked back at her. My eyes told her she could do nothing.
In my mind, I spoke to her.
Go ahead and try Elara. You have no idea who you are dealing with. I am a girl from the future. I have seen empires fall. I've seen technology rise. I already know your every move. I will always win.
The plate I served were empty.
Elara stared at the Grand Prince. She wanted him to rule in her favor.
The Grand Prince spoke.
"No doubt." Magnus started.
His voice echoing in the rafters.
"The Chief Royal Chef is talented. This meal was... an experience. However, we must not overlook tradition. Elara captured what tradition truly means. It represents the stability of the Blackwood bloodline."
He looked at Alaric. Alaric was watching me. His gaze felt like molten gold.
"Alaric." Magnus continued.
"it would only be right that you ask the both of them what they want. Grant their wishes. They both worked hard."
Alaric turned his head. A smirk played on his lips. He knew the exact game being played.
"Very well Uncle." Alaric said.
He turned to Elara first.
"Lady Elara, you provided a meal of tradition. What do you want as reward?"
Elara's face softened. She straightened her posture. Her eyes gleamed.
"Your Majesty is too kind." she purred.
"If I must choose... I would like the latest silk materials from the eastern traders. I also desire new gold hairpins. The ones inlaid with rubies. Perhaps a set of matching bracelets."
Alaric smiled. It didn't reach his eyes. It was a cold smile. He knew she loved material things. She can be bought easily.
"The royal jeweler will see to it." Alaric said.
Grand Prince Magnus let out a short laugh. He turned to me. His eyebrows arched in curiosity.
"If she requested these things." Magnus said.
A twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
"I am eager to hear what you ask for. Surely a genius like you wants even finer jewels."
Alaric's gaze moved to me.
"And you, Sophie? What is your wish?"
I took a breath. I didn't want silk. I didn't want rubies. I wanted to do my job better than anyone this century had ever seen.
"Your Majesty." I said.
My voice steady.
"My greatest joy is seeing people satisfied. I don't need gold or silk. I want your permission. To go get fresh vegetables. Rare herbs and spices from the east side."
The Grand Prince widened his eyes.
"So... you don't want a new outfit?" He asked.
He sounded genuinely baffled.
"No gold pins?"
Alaric let out a soft chuckle. He looked at Magnus. Then back at me. His expression softened. It made my stomach flip.
"She is different Uncle." Alaric said.
"She is not materialistic. Her mind is always on her craft."
Elara looked absolutely livid.
She was pieced. Her face turned red. She realized my humble request made her look shallow. And vain in comparison.
She couldn't leave. She had to sit there and endure the praise being heaped on a peasant.
"No problem Sophie." the King said.
His voice firm. "You are allowed to travel to the other side of town. You can get the fresh ingredients you need. I will provide a guard for your safety. And Elara, the jeweler will bring you your trinkets."
"We are dismissed." Alaric added.
He waved a hand.
I curtsied and turned. I walked out of the Great Hall as fast as my feet could carry me.
I needed the familiar heat of the kitchen to clear my head.
As I approached the heavy wooden doors. I heard voices. I stopped behind a massive stone pillar. My heart hammered.
It was Cook Silas and Cook Damien.
"You are a fool Damien." Silas was saying.
His voice was hushed but urgent.
"Have you forgotten so quickly? Sophie saved us. The King was ready to have our hands cut off. She stepped in. She took the risk."
"She is a ghost." Damien spat.
Though he sounded less certain than before. "Lady Elara said..."
"Lady Elara doesn't care about you!" Silas hissed.
"She fixed that competition. She was right there. But did she save any of us? No. She left the room. She let us face the King's wrath alone. She would have let them take our hands without blinking. Sophie helped us. You are not supposed to disrespect her like that. She is the reason you can still hold a knife."
I leaned against the cold stone. A lump formed in my throat.
I hadn't realized Silas was this clever. He was advising Damien. He is trying to pull him back. Away from the edge of Elara's influence.
I decided I had heard enough. I stepped out from behind the pillar. I let out a loud forced cough.
Both men jumped nearly a foot into the air. They spun around. Their faces pale as white flour. They looked like they had actually seen a ghost.
"Chef!" Silas squeaked.
He bowed so fast. He nearly hit the table with his forehead.
Damien stood frozen. His eyes darting to the floor. The silence stretched between us. He finally slumped his shoulders.
"I... I apologize Sophie." Damien muttered.
His voice barely audible over the crackle of the hearth. "I was out of line."
I walked over to the center table. I looked him in the eye. I didn't want his fear.
"Apology accepted Damien." I said calmly.
"I don't want your head on a platter. I just want you to help me keep the King fed. That is our only job."
I leaned in a little closer. I lowered my voice.
"I know it was Elara making you do all of it. She uses people until they are broken. Then she discards them. You should choose to be a better person instead. Work with me not against me."
Damien nodded slowly. The tension finally leaving his frame.
Silas breathed a sigh of relief.
I looked toward the kitchen entrance.Elara was standing in the shadows. She was watching.
She didn't say a word. She gave me that look again. The "I will destroy you" look.
I turned back to the stove. The fire reflected in my eyes.
The war wasn't over. It was just getting started.
