Chapter 5 : Kiyo Soup

A steward led me to the royal kitchen, an expansive space filled with gleaming utensils, well-stocked shelves, and an array of exotic ingredients. As soon as the door closed behind him, I lifted my gaze. The kitchen was vast, with cream-colored walls, white granite countertops, and pristine furniture. The staff wore simple cream dresses, blending seamlessly with the decor. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen.

"Miss Naeva, you may use this area," the steward said, gesturing to a station that had been meticulously prepared with everything I might need.

"Thank you," I said, bowing slightly before setting to work.

As I prepared the soup, I found myself slipping into a calm focus. The rhythmic motions of chopping, boiling, and stirring grounded me, and soon the rich, comforting aroma of kiyo soup filled the air.

"Smells incredible," a familiar voice said from behind me.

I turned, startled, to see Prince Eugene standing there, his arms crossed and a curious smile on his face.

"Your Highness," I said, bowing quickly.

"No need for that," he said, waving me off. "I came to see if the famous kiyo soup lives up to its reputation," he showed off his charming smile.

"I hope it does," I smiled.

I noticed the kitchen staff bowing as the prince entered.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness," the staff said in unison.

"Good afternoon, everyone. Please help Miss Naeva if she need anything okay?" he said. That is very nice of him.

"Yes Your Highness," they nodded.

"I'll be waiting in the garden as I have some matter to talk to with my stewards. Is that okay for you Miss Naeva?" He really didn't need to ask about my feelings, he's the Prince man who am I to even get considered? But he really is very nice.

"Yes of course, Your Highness," 

"Alright then, I'll see you soon. Goodluck," he smiled.

"Please show her the way to the garden once she's done," he added to the workers before leaving the room.

"Yes, Your Highness," they chorused.

I mixed the kiyo extract, erenda bark, cinnamon, and water in the pot and placed it on the stove. As the mixture heated, I stirred it carefully, hoping it would truly help the prince regain his energy. Once the pot began to boil, I turned off the heat and continued stirring for a few more minutes. Finally, I poured the soup into a beautifully crafted bowl, placing a spoon alongside it.

"Miss Naeva, you can follow me," one of the staff members said, leading me out of the kitchen and into the garden.

The garden was breathtaking. Vibrant flowers bloomed in every imaginable color—red, purple, pink, black, and more. Butterflies flitted gracefully from one bloom to the next, their delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight. The garden paths were made of large, white, square stones, adding to the serene atmosphere.

I spotted Prince Eugene seated near the center of the garden. Keeping my gaze lowered, I approached with the tray.

"Thank you. You may leave," he said to the servant, who quickly bowed and left.

"No, I mean her," he added, gesturing toward me.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Your Highness," the servant apologized, backing away.

"No, there's nothing to apologize for," he said, turning his attention to me as he lifted the bowl and began to eat, hhis expression thoughtful. For a moment, I held my breath.

"Wow, this is excellent," he said after a few spoonfuls. I considered offering to help him further using my bloodbending, but that seemed entirely inappropriate.

"This is remarkable," he said finally, his smile widening. "I've never tasted anything like it."

Relief washed over me. "I'm glad you like it, Your Highness. How do you feel, Your Highness?" I asked after a moment.

"Much better. A lot better. That was wonderful—thank you," he said, placing the empty bowl back on the tray.

"It's an honor, Your Highness," I said, unsure of what else to do. Since he didn't dismiss me, I remained standing nearby, waiting for further instructions.

"Oh, come sit," he said suddenly, gesturing to the seat beside him.

"Yes, Your Highness," I said, bowing slightly before sitting down.

"So, what do you usually do on a daily basis?" he asked, his tone curious.

"Um…not much, Your Highness. I clean the house, help the other villagers, read books, and study with my friends," I said, deliberately omitting the part about studying bending.

"Well, that sounds fulfilling."

"Yes, Your Highness," I replied with a small laugh.

"Do you mind accompanying me for a walk around the garden?"

"Of course not—it would be an honor," I said, standing as he rose to his feet.

He strolled leisurely down the garden paths, greeting gardeners who were tending to the flowers.

"You don't have to keep looking down. Feel free to look around," he said at last.

"Thank you, Your Highness," I replied, stretching my back slightly as I took in the scenery.

The garden was even more beautiful up close. The vibrant flowers and colorful butterflies created a mesmerizing tapestry of life. The walking paths of white stone added a touch of elegance to the lush surroundings.

"Do you—" he began to say something, and I instinctively looked up at him. My reflexes were faster than my memory of the etiquette I was supposed to follow.

"Uh, I apologize, Prince Eugene. I'm so sorry for my impolite behavior—my reflexes—" I quickly looked back down.

"It's…fine," he said hesitantly. "I was the one who asked you not to look down. You…don't have to."

"Yes, Your Highness," I replied, though I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze again. "I'm really sorry, Your Highness, but it's already noon, and Eliora hasn't eaten. I should bring her home."

"Oh, of course," he said quickly. "We have food here if she'd like to eat with us."

"That's very kind of you, Your Highness, but I think we'd prefer to head home."

"Oh…well, all right then," he said, his tone slightly subdued.

Prince Eugene and his guards escorted me to the main entrance gate, where I found Eliora waiting. Her hair was messy, but her beaming smile told me she'd had a fantastic time.

"Thank you for having us, Prince Eugene. We'll be heading home now. Once again, thank you," I said, bowing deeply.

"No, I should be thanking you—for making me feel better. And you're always welcome to visit again," he said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Your Highness. Take care."

"See you, Prince Eugene!" Eliora called out cheerfully.

"Yes, see you, Eliora. Take care as well," he replied as the gates opened.

We climbed into the waiting carriage, which carried us away from the castle.

"There were so many dogs! One of them was white with long, curly fur, and it was the softest thing ever!" she gushed, her voice animated as she continued to describe each dog in vivid detail.

I smiled, nodding along as she spoke. It was heartwarming to see her so happy after everything she had been through.

When we arrived back at the village, Banyu greeted us at the entrance. "Hey! You're just in time. Come eat lunch at my place—I've already prepared everything."

I agreed, grateful for the invitation, and we made our way to her house. Once we sat down, I began recounting the events of the day to Banyu and Alas. I described the grandeur of the palace, the sprawling garden, and my conversation with Prince Eugene. El Eliodora greeted me with her usual warm smile, and Alas wasted no time teasing me about "my royal escapades."

"Did the prince propose yet?" he joked, dodging a playful swipe from me.

"Shut up, Alas," I muttered, though my cheeks warmed despite myself.

The rest of the week passed uneventfully. Estevao returned to Aisling Village to focus on mastering his ice bending, while Eliora was sent back to her kingdom after a few days. Her absence left a noticeable void. She had brought so much joy and energy to our lives with her playful antics and innocent humor.

It had only been two days since she left, and I already missed her terribly. As I sat reminiscing about her time with us, the sound of approaching hooves drew my attention. Three horses trotted into the village, their riders clad in the unmistakable attire of Archirillio guards. In the center rode a figure I recognized instantly—Prince Eugene.

I quickly looked down, feeling a wave of nervousness wash over me. Around me, the villagers froze, unsure of how to react. They likely didn't recognize the prince, but his presence was enough to leave them uneasy.

"Good afternoon, my lovely people," Prince Eugene said with a charming laugh. "Uh-, is there someone named Naeva here?"

"Yes…that's me, Your Highness," I said, raising my hand hesitantly. "Is there something I can assist you with?"

"Ah, wonderful," he said, dismounting gracefully from his horse. He was dressed more casually today, though his attire still carried an air of sophistication.

"Good afternoon, Miss Naeva. I apologize for the unexpected visit, but if you didn't know, there's going to be a food festival tonight. Would you like to come with me?" he asked, his tone casual yet inviting.

"Oh, uh…" I hesitated, unsure of what to say. Would it be impolite to accept?

"I'll pick you up here at six," he said decisively before I could answer, mounting his horse again. With a quick nod, he and his guards rode off.

"Wait—what just happened?" Alas asked, stepping out of the house, his hair still damp from a shower.

"Prince Eugene invited me to the food festival," I said, still processing the encounter. "He said he'd pick me up here at six."

"And…you're going?" Alas asked, his tone skeptical.

"Of course I'm going! But can you come too? I'm so awkward—I don't think I can handle it alone," I pleaded.

"He asked you?" Alas repeated, his voice rising slightly.

"Yes."

"What?!"

"Why are you reacting like this?"

"Nothing! And yes, I'm coming—with Banyu too," he said, crossing his arms.

"Thank you!" I exclaimed, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension.

The hours leading up to the festival passed in a blur. I rummaged through my wardrobe, searching for something appropriate to wear. While the villagers of Aisling typically dressed simply, I wanted to make an effort. Eventually, I settled on a modest yet elegant blue dress that complemented the village's humble aesthetic while looking slightly more polished.

By the time six o'clock rolled around, I was ready. Alas and Banyu had also dressed up for the occasion, though Alas looked like he was still trying to come to terms with the situation.

The sound of hooves signaled Prince Eugene's arrival. He dismounted his horse and approached with his usual charismatic air.

"You look lovely," he said, his eyes briefly scanning my attire before meeting mine.

"Thank you, Your Highness," I replied, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

"Shall we?" he asked, extending his hand slightly.

I nodded and followed him to the waiting carriage, where Banyu and Alas climbed in as well. The ride to the festival was filled with light conversation, though I couldn't shake the nervous flutter in my chest. What exactly was this food festival, and why had the prince invited me?