The Cookie Encounter

I headed down to the dining room where everyone else was already present including Monty. Being the captain of the Royal Guards, it's a custom to eat with the Royal Family. He was dashing in his Navy blue dress shirt and it was obvious that he had already taken a shower before presenting himself at the dinner table

"There you are, my dear" Queen Mother greeted as she held my hands "Come now, sit down"

Julien was at the head of the table while I was seated on his left facing the Queen Mother beside her was my mother and Monty was next to me

"What happened? You made us all worried sick plus you didn't even answer any of my calls, sis" Julien said "You even looked thinner"

Did I really lose weight? Did Monty notice? Maybe, he did carry me earlier

"I was just going through something, brother but everything's fine now" I said smiling at him

The food was being served as he answered "Are you sure?"

I gave him a firm nod and he knew that it was nothing to worry about

"Your mother insisted on cooking all of your favorite dishes, so eat up!" the Queen Mother happily coaxed

"Thank you."

I took a spoonful of warm delicious looking clam chowder right in front of me. The thick and creamy consistency touching my lips, tender chunks of potatoes that almost feel like it melts in my mouth. Closing my eyes, my tongue was greeted by a powerful rush of flavors. The contrasting saltiness and smokiness of the cured meat to the fading bitterness of freshly opened clams. It was always an experience to eat my mother's cooking

"Delicious as always, Maria!" the Queen Mother praised my mother's cooking

My mother had always found joy in the kitchen even as a child, my grandparents used to run a restaurant before passing away three years ago due to old age. She was an only child and was taught everything her parents knew

"Thank you, mother." I happily exclaimed as I finished the bowl in front of me

"Yes, auntie your food never disappoints." Julien added

"A delightful dish indeed, Your Highness." Monty commented

My mother shyly smiled "Thank you for all your compliments."

It was a rare opportunity for Monty to taste my mother's cooking, she rarely goes to the kitchen due to all the duties she attends to and the Queen Mother insists on letting the Royal Chef prepare the food to give her more time to rest

"Do you remember the time I first tried your cooking?" the Queen Mother cheerfully asked my mother

"How could I forget, you got lost in the market that day and found yourself in front of our restaurant."

"Is that how you first met, mother?" I asked

"Yes, sweet heart" my mother simply answered

"I got separated from my parents when we were buying new clothes for my father's birthday. I was frightened the entire time." the Queen Mother was now reminiscing their first encounter

"You were even crying when you went inside"

'I know and you even made fun of me because I got dirt on my face!"

"I thought it was something else to be honest, hahaha!"

"That was also what I initially thought, it made me cry even more"

"How did that make you friends?" Julien asked

"Well, we were ten I guess. My parents were inside cooking at the time she came in and I greeted her as our first customer for the day but I couldn't hold my laughter when I saw her face covered with brown smudges." my mother chuckled

"You were a total meanie!"

"I was ten! That's how children react! Hahahaha!"

"I felt awful so I cried louder then your parents came out and made me sit on a chair while cleaning my face"

"I was scolded by my father for laughing at you, you know. I tried apologizing but you were too mad to talk to me."

"Any ten year old would plus I was confused and scared. Your mother was also asking me questions about my parents but I didn't know what to tell her"

"My father always said that food could heal a broken soul so he helped me make some cookies while you were waiting. That was the first time I ever made anything for someone other than my parents."

"You have real talent for sure because those cookies were like heaven! I forgave her in an instant!"

"Since then we have become friends. It was like magic"

"It was, hmmm maybe you did put a spell on it!" looking at each other they both burst out laughing

They continued talking, we happily listened.

Being part of this moment wherein I was surrounded by beaming eyes and happy smiles of content and affection by the people I loved the most. There was laughter and compliments, there were cheerful conversations and delightful gestures, the atmosphere was light and warm. Subconsciously, my lips curled up, taking in a picture perfect scene of a small yet joyous family eating together, I was happy.

"I wish this moment never ends" I was brought back to reality by Julien's words

"Me too" I agreed, looking at every single one at the table. When my eyes fell upon Monty, I placed my hand over his and gave it a light squeeze.

The next day, I asked Julien to leave the castle again. Promising to not throw a tantrum when we get back.

"Brother, can I please go outside again? I didn't buy anything when we last went out." I said him with hands clasped together

Monty was the only one with him in his chambers so I was able to freely talk to him

"I'll let you go on one condition."

"Anything brother." I know my eyes were sparkling from delight at that time. It wasn't everyday that he would let me beyond the castle walls

"Aside from Monty escorting you again. You are not allowed to throw a tantrum when you get back, whatever happens outside"

"I promise!" I exclaimed

"That's a promise you should keep or else this would be your last time going out." he said firmly

"Got it!" I know he was just worried about me

"Okay, you can go now."

"Yey! Thank you brother!" I screamed in joy and hugged him from his chair then I grabbed Monty's hand unconsciously and dragged him towards the door

"I'll let more guards survey the area, Your Majesty." Monty was able to say right before we were out the door