As Sebastian and I strolled through the palace corridors toward the kitchen, the tension from the earlier meeting began to ebb away. The quiet hum of our footsteps filled the space, a welcome reprieve from the intensity of the council room. Neither of us felt the need to fill the silence, content to enjoy the tranquil moment together. 

When we stepped into the kitchen, a wave of warmth greeted us, carrying the comforting scents of fresh herbs, sizzling oils, and baking bread. The cozy atmosphere was a stark contrast to the formality of the palace halls. Sebastian's gaze scanned the room, his expression softening as his eyes landed on someone bustling at a nearby workstation. He touched my elbow gently, directing my attention to the figure. 

I followed his gaze to see a petite woman wearing a well-worn apron, her movements precise and fluid as she chopped vegetables with practiced ease. Steam rose from the pots simmering on the stove, and the rhythmic clatter of her knife punctuated the quiet kitchen. There was a lively energy in her actions, as though she poured not just skill but a deep affection into her craft. 

A small smile played on my lips as I turned to Sebastian, curiosity glinting in my eyes. "If we have a royal cook, why were you the one making breakfast this morning?"

Sebastian smirked, his expression tinged with pride. "Because I enjoy it," he admitted. "Cooking gives me a chance to experiment, to be creative. It's one of the few times I can focus on something tangible - something that doesn't involve court politics or strategy."

I nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "That makes sense," I said, my tone light. "And, for the record, breakfast was incredible. You've got some serious talent."

His smirk blossomed into a grin, a spark of satisfaction lighting his eyes. "Well, I can't take all the credit," he said, his voice carrying a playful lilt. "Maleia - the cook over there - has been my mentor. She's shared more than a few of her secret recipes with me."

Intrigued, I glanced toward the woman as we approached her. She worked with intense focus, barely glancing up as we neared. Sebastian cleared his throat softly, and she paused, turning her attention toward us. 

Maleia's face lit up with curiosity, though her hands didn't falter as they continued their task. She was petite, with a round, freckled face that radiated warmth. Her black hair was tied back in a haphazard bun, stray strands framing her cheeks. Her striking green eyes glimmered with intelligence and a hint of mischief, while her practical attire reflected her no-nonsense demeanor. 

Though not traditionally beautiful, Maleia possessed a natural charm, the kind that made her instantly approachable. There was a quiet wisdom in the way she carried herself, her presence exuding kindness and an unmistakable joy for her work. 

"Sebastian," she said warmly, her voice carrying a melodic cadence.  Her gaze shifted to me, and her eyes widened slightly in recognition. A knowing smile spread across her face. "And this must be Verena, your mate."

Her words caught me off guard, and I blinked, unsure how to respond. Maleia chuckled softly at my surprise, wiping her hands on her apron before turning back to Sebastian. "You've talked about her enough that I feel like I already know her," she teased. 

Sebastian rubbed the back of his neck, a hint of pink dusting his cheeks. "I may have mentioned her once or twice," he admitted, his voice tinged with sheepishness. 

Maleia turned back to me, extending her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Verena," she said warmly. 

I shook her hand, her grip firm yet welcoming. "The pleasure's mine," I said, managing a small smile despite the heat rising to my cheeks. 

Maleia turned back to her workstation, though her smile lingered. "So, what brings you two here? Sneaking off to escape courtly responsibilities, or just here to steal my recipes again?"

Sebastian chuckled, raising his hands in mock defense. "Neither, this time," he said lightly. "We just needed a break and thought we'd see what you were working on." 

Maleia arched a brow but gestured toward a counter lined with fresh bread and fruit. "Help yourselves, but don't touch the simmering pot unless you're ready to take over dinner duties."

Sebastian shot me a knowing smile before leading me to the counter. The warmth of the kitchen and Maleia's playful demeanor eased the lingering weight of the day, leaving me with a comforting sense of belonging. 

Sebastian turned to Maleia, his expression filled with hope and purpose. "Maleia," he began, "could you do something special for my mate and me tonight? I want her first dinner here to be unforgettable."

Maleia's face softened, a warm smile spreading across her lips. Her green eyes sparkled with excitement. "Of course, your highness," she replied, her voice infused with genuine delight. "It would be my honor to prepare a special meal for you both."

I turned to Sebastian, my chest tightening with a mixture of gratitude and mild disbelief. "You don't have to go through all that trouble for me," I protested softly, a hint of shyness creeping into my voice. "A simple meal would have been more than enough."

Sebastian chuckled, the sound warm and soothing. He shook his head, his gaze steady on mine. "Nonsense," he said firmly, a heartfelt smile curving his lips. "You deserve a proper welcome - a grand one. This is the least I can do to show you how much I appreciate you being here."

Maleia nodded in agreement, her voice as light as the cheerful atmosphere in the kitchen. "Prince Sebastian is absolutely right," she chimed in. "It'll be a joy to create something special for you both. Think of it as my way of celebrating your union."

Sebastian's grin widened, his blue eyes dancing with satisfaction as he glanced between us. "See? Even Maleia agrees," he said, his tone taking on a playful edge of smugness. "You deserve the best, Verena, and I'll make sure you get nothing less."

I sighed, feigning defeat, though the smile tugging at my lips betrayed me. "Well, it seems I'm outnumbered," I said with a shake of my head, my voice tinged with mock resignation. "If you're both so determined, I won't argue further."

Sebastian's grin turned triumphant, his pride evident in every line of his face. "Good," he said, his voice carrying a satisfied lilt. "Let Maleia work her culinary magic. I promise you won't regret it."

Maleia chuckled softly as she returned to her workstation, already pulling out spices and ingredients, her hands moving with practiced confidence. The comforting rhythm of her preparation filled the kitchen, mingling with the rich, tantalizing aromas of food cooking nearby.

Sebastian gestured toward a long wooden table nestled in the corner of the kitchen. Together, we settled on the benches facing each other. The scent of roasted herbs and baking bread filled the air, and my stomach gave a quiet, involuntary growl. 

Sebastian leaned back on the bench, his posture relaxed for the first time since we'd entered the throne room earlier that day. His shoulders loosened, and soft smile lingered on his face as he looked at me. The kitchen's cozy warmth wrapped around us, offering a moment of reprieve from the weight of courtly responsibilities. 

As I watched him, the gentle glow of the kitchen's lantern light danced across his features, illuminating the care and thoughtfulness in his eyes. My heart swelled again, this time not with surprise, but with the simple realization of how deeply he cared. 

I leaned back against the table, letting out a sigh of relief. "It's nice to finally meet someone here who isn't hostile about me being your mate," I said, a touch of sarcasm lacing my tone. "I was beginning to think everyone in the court was against us."

Sebastian chuckled softly, the sound warm yet tinged with frustration. His gaze softened as he looked at me. "Most of the council and court members are still wary," he admitted, a faint trace of annoyance coloring his voice. "They're too wrapped up in politics and traditions to see the bigger picture. But Maleia..." His eyes shifted toward the cook, and a fond smile crept onto his lips. "She understands what really matters."

Following his gaze, I watched as Maleia continued humming to herself, her movements confident and unhurried as she worked. Her kindness and easy acceptance were a stark contrast to the rigid, judgmental atmosphere of the court. "She seems like a genuinely nice person," I commented, my attention returning to Sebastian. "I can see why you respect her."

Sebastian nodded, his expression turning serious. "Maleia has been a constant source of sanity in this place," he said, his tone quieter, more reflective. "She doesn't care about titles or alliances. She looks at people for who they are, not what they represent. That kind of perspective is rare here. And, well..." His lips twitched into a smirk. "Her cooking doesn't hurt either."

I couldn't help but laugh at his final remark, the sound easing the lingering tension in the air. "Well, now I'm even more excited for this special dish she's preparing," I said, resting my chin on my hand as I studied him. "Something tells me she's not the type to disappoint."

Sebastian's grin widened, a playful glint sparkling in his blue eyes. "Oh, she won't," he said, leaning closer to me, his voice dripping with teasing confidence. "Maleia's cooking could charm even the grumpiest council member into a smile. That alone should tell you how magical her skills are."

His words drew another laugh from me, the sound blending with the comforting hum of activity in the kitchen. Despite the challenges we faced, moments like these - filled with warmth and humor - made me feel as though everything would somehow work out. 

My curiosity stirred, and I tilted my head slightly as I pondered aloud. "Do you think anyone else might be as accepting as Maleia? It hasn't exactly felt like I've received the warmest welcome from most people here."

Sebastian nodded, his expression turning thoughtful as he considered my question. "I believe there are a few who might come around eventually," he said. "Ael and Dimitri, two of my guards, are good men at heart. They're loyal and fair, and they don't tend to judge blindly. Then there's Atlas, the solicitor - he's all about logic and the rule of law, so emotions and prejudices don't sway him. And Raphael, the healer, is fiercely protective of those he cares for. He values personal happiness above politics, so he might be more understanding than the others."

Relief coursed through me, and I exhaled a quiet sigh, feeling some of the tension drain from my shoulders. "That's good to know," I said softly, allowing myself to relax a bit. "It's comforting to think that not everyone here is blinded by politics and old traditions."

Before Sebastian could reply, Maleia approached the table, carrying two plates of steaming food. A mouthwatering aroma enveloped us, and my stomach growled in eager anticipation. Maleia placed the plates before us with a warm smile that mirrored the care she'd poured into the meal. 

The dish was nothing short of breathtaking - a vibrant array of grilled vegetables, golden roasted potatoes, and a perfectly seared mushroom steak at the center. A rich, tangy sauce made from crushed berries and fresh herbs cascaded over the vegetables, creating an eye-catching contrast. The potatoes glistened with seasoning, their crispy edges promising a delightful crunch, while the mushroom steak looked juicy and tender, as if it has been cooked by someone who truly understood flavor. 

Sebastian and I exchanged a glance, our mouths already watering. The intoxicating scent and the meticulous presentation made the meal feel like more than food - it was a masterpiece, a labor of love on a plate. 

Maleia chuckled at our expressions, clearly reveling in our reactions. "There you go," she said, her tone bright and cheerful. "A special feast just for you two."

Sebastian grinned, already reaching for his utensils. "It looks incredible, Maleia," he said, his voice full of genuine appreciation. "You've truly outdone yourself."

A faint blush crept across Maleia's cheeks at the compliment, though her smile remained steady and pleased. "Enjoy, your highness," she said with a slight bow, stepping back to give us space. "I hope it's everything you imagined and more."

Sebastian didn't waste any time. He speared a piece of the mushroom steak with his fork, bringing it to his mouth. As he chewed, his eyes closed briefly, and a low, contented hum escaped him. "Delicious," he murmured, already reaching for another bite.

Curious, I took my own bite, the flavors instantly blooming on my tongue. It was a perfect harmony of spices and textures, each element complementing the next. I couldn't suppress a soft sigh of appreciation, my eyes widening as I swallowed. "This is incredible," I said, my words slightly muffled by the food in my mouth. 

Sebastian nodded enthusiastically, still chewing, his expression alight with delight. After swallowing, he grinned. "Maleia never disappoints," he said, his tone playful yet reverent. "She could probably tempt a stone to eat if she wanted to."

I laughed at his comparison, nodding in agreement. "True," I replied, savoring another bite. "This food could win over the most stubborn of appetites."

For a while, we simply ate, relishing each bite of the meal. The silence that settled between us wasn't awkward but comfortable, punctuated only by the clink of utensils and the occasional soft hum of enjoyment from Sebastian. Maleia stood a short distance away, watching us with a satisfied smile, clearly pleased with her handiwork. 

As the meal went on, our plates gradually emptied, leaving on the lingering flavors of the exquisite feast. Every so often, Sebastian let out a quiet hum of pleasure, while I couldn't help but release small sighs of satisfaction. 

Finally, with my plate nearly clean, I leaned back on the bench, letting out a contented sigh. "That was amazing," I said, patting my stomach. 

Sebastian mirrored my movement, leaning back and pushing his plate away. "Agreed," he said, his voice low and content. 

A peaceful silence enveloped us, one filled with the quiet gratitude of two people who had just shared something truly special. No words were needed in that moment; the meal had spoken for itself, leaving us both perfectly at ease. 

A soft, amused chuckle drew our attention, and we turned to see Maleia approaching the table, her arms crossed and a knowing smile on her face. 

"You both look like you've just had a religious experience," she teased, stopping beside the table and glancing between us. 

I couldn't help but grin at her remark, the truth in it undeniable. "It was that good," I admitted, propping my chin on my hand. 

Sebastian chimed in with a nod, his contented smile still firmly in place. "Maleia, it was absolutely delicious," he said, his tone filled with genuine praise. 

Her smile widened, pride evident in the twinkle of her eyes. "Glad to hear it," she replied warmly. "A happy stomach leads to a happy mind, and I know you two could use a bit of joy around here."

Sebastian's smile faltered slightly, and he nodded in agreement. "You're not wrong," he said, his tone quieter. "This court could use more joy and a lot less tension."

I caught the subtle shift in his expression, the worry that briefly flickered across his face. He exchanged a silent look with Maleia, as though communicating something unspoken. 

Noticing the change in atmosphere, Maleia stepped closer, her tone softening. "Don't worry, your highness," she said gently, her reassuring gaze fixed on Sebastian. "Things have a way of working themselves out, given time."

Sebastian released a weary breath, some of the tension easing from his posture. "I hope you're right, Maleia," he said, though his voice held a trace of doubt. "But time is a luxury we don't exactly have right now."

Curiosity flared within me at his words, and I turned to him. "How far off is the coronation, then?" I asked, concern creeping into my tone. "You make it sound like it's just around the corner."

Sebastian sighed, running a hand through his hair in a gesture of frustration. "It's closer than I'd like," he admitted, his voice heavy with resignation. "Less than a month at this point."

My stomach twisted uneasily at the revelation. "Less than a month to prove myself?" I exclaimed, my words tinged with disbelief and worry. "That's barely any time."

Sebastian nodded gravely, his expression reflecting the weight of the situation. "I know," he said, his voice sympathetic. "But it's the reality we're dealing with. The council is watching your every move, waiting for any opportunity to exploit a weakness."

I exhaled a slow, measured breath, the gravity of his words settling over me like a heavy cloak. "No pressure then," I muttered, a wry note of sarcasm creeping into my voice despite the unease coiling in my chest. 

Sebastian let out a wry chuckle, a flicker of amusement brightening his eyes at my sarcastic remark. "I wish I could tell you otherwise," he said, leaning back in his chair. "But the stakes are high, and the council isn't known for their compassion. They'll scrutinize everything, believe me."

I frowned, frustration and anger bubbling to the surface. "It's ridiculous," I exclaimed, my tone sharp with annoyance. "They're threatening to separate us if they decide I'm a threat. How is that fair? They're setting me up to fail with barely any time to prove myself."

Sebastian reached out, his warm hand settling gently on my arm. "Hey," he said softly, his voice calm and grounding. "We came here to unwind, remember? Let's not let the council steal this moment from us too."

I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as I tried to let go of the tension coiling in my chest. He was right. This was supposed to be a break from the endless stress of court politics. I nodded, pushing the anger down for now.

A sly smile curved on Sebastian's lips, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I've got a better idea," he said, standing up and offering his hand. "How about a walk in the gardens? Some fresh air and a change of scenery might be exactly what we need."

I glanced at his outstretched hand before slipping mine into it, his warmth grounding me further. Together, we turned to Maleia, who had been quietly observing our exchange. 

"We are grateful for the meal, Maleia," Sebastian said, flashing her a smile. "It was perfect, as always."

Maleia's face softened, and her kind gaze shifted to me. "You're welcome, your highness," she said warmly. "And you," she added, directing her words at me, "don't let the council's judgement weigh you down too much. They'll come around eventually."

Her words brought a small, appreciative smile to my lips. "I'll try to keep that in mind," I said, my voice steadier now. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Maleia."

She gave a cheerful wave as we turned and left the dining area, her encouraging presence lingering in my thoughts. 

We made our way down the corridor, the faint echo of our footsteps filling the vast, ornate space. As we stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted us, crisp and refreshing. 

The palace gardens stretched before us, a serene sanctuary of vibrant blooms and manicured hedges. Lanterns cast a soft golden glow, illuminating the colorful array of flowers and the winding stone pathways. The faint sound of trickling water from a nearby fountain added to the tranquility, wrapping the space in a peaceful melody. 

Sebastian led the way down one of the paths, his hand still loosely holding mine. "I thought you'd like this place," he said, his tone warm. "It's one of the few spots in the palace where you can really breathe." 

I nodded, letting out a soft sigh as the cool evening air filled my lungs. The delicate scent of roses and lilies drifted around us, their sweetness calming the tension that had lingered in my body. The tranquility of the garden seemed to wrap itself around me, a stark contrast to the chaos we'd left behind inside the palace. 

"It's strange," I murmured as we began to walk along one of the winding garden paths, our footsteps whispering against the stone. The faint hum of insects was the only sound accompanying us. "Hard to believe that a place so peaceful exists just steps away from all that political madness."

Sebastian glanced around the garden, his expression softening as his gaze lingered on the blooms. "It's like a hidden sanctuary," he said, his voice low, as though speaking too loudly might shatter the moment. "A place to forget everything, even if it's only for a while."

We strolled in silence for a time, pausing occasionally to admire the vibrant flowers that lined the path. When I knelt to examine a cluster of white lilies, their delicate petals seemed to shimmer under the moonlight, casting a ghostly glow that felt almost otherworldly. 

I reached out, brushing my fingers over one of the petals. It was soft and cool beneath my touch, its velvet surface soothing in its simplicity. The flower's fragrance was intoxicating, its sweetness mingling with the crispness of the night. As I glanced up, I found Sebastian watching me, his expression unreadable but intense. 

"They're beautiful, aren't they?" I asked softly, the words barely a whisper as though afraid to disturb the serenity around us. 

"They are," he replied, his eyes lingering on my face before shifting back to the lilies. His next words were quieter, almost reverent. "But not as beautiful as you."