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The next morning dawned bright and early in the palace. Princess Elara had risen before the sun, her mind set on a plan she had formulated the night before. She wanted to create a gesture of goodwill and warmth, something to show her sincerity and her desire to integrate into her new home. Her love for cooking, a skill she had learned and cherished in her youth, seemed like the perfect way to start.

She made her way to the royal kitchens, a bustling place already alive with activity as cooks and maids prepared the day's meals. The kitchen was a large, sprawling space filled with the delicious aroma of bread baking in stone ovens and the sight of fresh fruits and vegetables being washed and chopped. Elara's presence caused a stir, the maids and cooks exchanging curious glances as she approached the head chef, a portly man named Bernard who had served the royal family for decades.

"Good morning, Chef Bernard," Elara greeted warmly, her voice carrying a gentle authority.

"I would like to prepare breakfast for the household this morning. May I use your kitchen?"

The chef blinked in surprise but quickly bowed.

"Of course, Your Highness. It would be an honor. What do you wish to prepare?"

Elara smiled, a sparkle of excitement in her eyes.

"I thought I might make a variety of dishes. Perhaps some honey-glazed ham, fresh bread, and fruit tarts. And a pot of spiced mulled wine to warm everyone's spirits."

Bernard nodded, impressed by her knowledge and the ease with which she suggested such a menu.

"Very well, Your Highness. We will assist you in any way you need."

As Elara began working, the maids and cooks watched in awe. She moved with grace and confidence, her hands deftly kneading dough for the bread and slicing fruit for the tarts. She marinated the ham with honey and herbs, then placed it in the oven to roast. The kitchen, usually a place of strict hierarchy and order, became a harmonious dance of cooperation under her direction.

Word of the princess's activity quickly spread through the palace, and it wasn't long before Queen Selene heard the news. Alarmed and curious, she hurried to the kitchen, her silk gown rustling with urgency.

When she arrived, she found Elara in the midst of her culinary preparations, her sleeves rolled up and a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. The princess was carefully placing the fruit tarts into the oven, their golden crusts glistening with a dusting of sugar.

"Elara!" Queen Selene exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and concern.

"What on earth are you doing here?"

Elara looked up, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Good morning, Mother. I thought I would make breakfast for everyone. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I wanted to share it with the household."

Queen Selene's eyes widened in disbelief. "But you are a princess, Elara. It is not your place to cook. That is the work of the kitchen staff."

Elara wiped her hands on a cloth and approached her mother-in-law.

"I understand, but I believe that sharing a meal I've prepared myself can be a gesture of goodwill. It shows that I wish to be part of this family, to contribute in my own way. And besides, I enjoy it. It's a way for me to feel at home."

Queen Selene was taken aback by Elara's sincerity and the earnestness in her eyes. She glanced around the kitchen, seeing the admiration and respect in the eyes of the staff as they watched the princess work. Slowly, she began to understand.

"Very well," she said finally, her tone softening. "But let the staff assist you. You are not alone here, Elara."

Elara nodded, her smile widening. "Thank you, Mother. I appreciate your understanding."

Together, they continued to work, the kitchen filled with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The smell of the honey-glazed ham roasting in the oven mingled with the scent of freshly baked bread and sweet fruit tarts. The spiced mulled wine simmered on the stove, its fragrant aroma filling the air.

When breakfast was finally ready, the long wooden table in the dining hall was laden with an array of dishes. There were platters of honey-glazed ham, fresh loaves of bread still warm from the oven, and golden fruit tarts bursting with berries and apples. Jugs of spiced mulled wine and fresh fruit juices were set out, along with bowls of creamy porridge topped with nuts and honey.

As the household gathered to eat, the mood was noticeably brighter. The warmth of Elara's gesture was felt by everyone, from the nobles to the servants. Tristan entered the dining hall, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the lavish spread.

"Did you do all this?" he asked, turning to Elara with a mixture of astonishment and admiration.

Elara nodded, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "I wanted to start the day on a positive note. I hope you enjoy it."

Tristan smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "It's wonderful, Elara. Thank you."

As they sat down to eat, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and shared joy. Elara's act of kindness had woven a thread of unity through the palace, a small but significant step toward healing the wounds of the past and building a future filled with hope and cooperation.

And as Tristan watched Elara interact with the household, he couldn't help but feel a deepening respect and affection for his new wife. She was not just a symbol of peace between their kingdoms; she was a beacon of warmth and kindness, capable of bringing light to even the darkest of places.

*****

Prince is in love 💘

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Allah Hafiz ✨