Page 13 of Love Letters & Lemon Drops

I'm about to say yes when I realise I don't want my aunt here. "No, I don't think that will be necessary."

"Of course, Your Highness." She disappears from the room, leaving me to marvel at how easy it is to adjust to the norms of how things are here. Perhaps she's talked with some of the servants who have been working here for years and has been told what things are like. I'm not entirely sure. Maybe I'll talk to her about it at some point. Or maybe not.

I cover my embroidery to protect it and nestle it safely in the box with my thread collection. As much as I want to finish his gift, I also want to spend time with him.

I get to my feet as the door opens again and Arthur steps inside. He's wearing a waistcoat and shirt under his jacket, looking very different from when he was in uniform, but just as handsome.

"His Highness, Prince Arthur," Maria says.

"Thank you," I respond with a polite smile in her direction.

"Good afternoon," Arthur says.

"Afternoon," I respond.

"How has your morning been?"

"It was nice, thank you," I respond. "I took a walk in the gardens. My aunt complained about the cold the entire time."

"You should have Veronica show you around them," he says. "She knows the gardens well."

I nod. "That would be nice, if you think she would be amenable to it."

"I'm sure she would," he assures me. He puts his hand in his pocket and pulls out a small bag. "I brought this for Felicia."

"Another present?" I ask.

"A treat," he promises. "I also brought some marzipan for you." He pulls a small box out of his pocket and holds it out.

"You didn't have to do that."

"I did. I've wanted to send you some for years, but I always worried that it would get damaged on the journey."

"That's very sweet of you," I respond. "Perhaps I could swap it for some lemon drops. I don't have many left, but I do have some." I take the box from him and hurry over to my desk where I'm keeping my own bag of sweets.

He takes it as a chance to head over to where Felicia is lounging on her cat tower. Her tail flicks back and forth as she studies the approaching prince.

"I have something for you," he says softly, not startling her at all as he takes whatever it is he's brought out of his pocket and holds it out to her.

My cat's eyes narrow as she studies the offering. She leans forward and sniffs it dramatically before batting it with her paw.

"Felicia!"

She completely ignores me, far too focused on what Arthur has in his hand.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Dried beef," he responds. "The stablemaster swears by it being the best cat treat."

"I don't think she's ever had any," I respond, coming over so that I can watch my cat.

She bats at the piece of beef again and Arthur lets go of it so it falls onto the cat tree for her. She pounces, her paws completely covering it.

"Now we're not going to see any of her at all," I joke.

"That's good, because I came to see you."

"And yet you went straight for my cat."

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