Chapter Text
Aoi could feel a warm breeze coming through her window. Mmmmm, that feels nice. She perked up out of her bed. I didn’t leave that open last night so who-? She could hear two people talking outside on the balcony.
“I don't think we should sit here until she wakes up.”
“It will be fine. It's not like we are watching her sleep. She is taking some time to wake up, maybe I should go help her get up…”
“Onii please don't. I don't want to upset her.” Aoi could smell something tasty coming from the balcony as well. She looked at her phone. Aurora was texting her all night. He was in a better mood. She tried to describe what her dress looked like and told him that she had to help out with a small plan to get it. She didn't give him too much of the details. She also told him about Yumei and how she almost ruined the dress. He was more upset that he could not be there to defend her. Which worked on Aoi’s side so he could be in protective mode over the girls instead of fussing over Kurohyou. Aoi texted him good morning and put on slippers that sat beside her bed. She rubbed her eyes as she walked over to the balcony. She could smell croissants, eggs, and maple syrup. Kurohyou was facing his brother.
“We gotta pull this off anyway so we should be sleeping in the same bed by now.” Aoi quietly took a seat behind him and put a couple of waffles on her plate. Sorin could see that she was sitting behind Kuro. “But I mean by the time she gets up we won't be able to go and do what's planned for today. How long does this girl sleep for? That's not very becoming of a princess either.”
“Onii…”
“I mean she eats like a pig. I mean you should see her Sorin. Literally stuffs her face every time she eats.” Aoi was nodding her head as she silently put a piece of waffle into her face. Sorin laughed a little. “Yeah, just imagining it is very funny but it's so… not princess-like… I don't know why I chose her.” Aoi’s eyes started to widen. She continued to eat her waffle. Sorin was shaking his head.
“You don't mean that.”
“I mean, maybe it is because we have history,”
“Onii, I need you to stop right now.”
“You said it yourself though, maybe I did this because I had feelings for her back then and they are starting to resurface…” Aoi stopped eating. She looked up at Sorin. Sorin covered his face.
“You are a fool you know that?” Kuro paused.
“You know what you are right. How could I have feelings for her? I'm only doing this because I need to find out who-” Sorin grabbed his brother's face and covered his mouth. Aoi was watching intently. Kuro looked at his brother confused.
“Oh my, you must be hungry, because you are spitting out a bunch of crazy things right?” Kuro was still confused. “Here, why don't we join Aoi for breakfast so that we can carry on with our day?”
Sorin removed his hands from his brother's face, hoping that his brother would understand.
“Was I too loud did I finally wake up the sleeping Beas-” Sorin interrupted his brother.
“Good morning Ai. The waffles are really good today aren't they?” Kuro froze.
“Good morning Sorin. They actually are very good. This maple syrup is amazing though. You guys have this made on the island?”
“Yes. We try to stay local with most of our food products.”
“I could smell it from my bed. Food is a definite way to wake up a sleeping… what were you getting ready to say? It sounded something along the lines of 'beast' if I don't say so myself.” Kurohyou could feel her death glares stabbing him like daggers in his back. Kuro turned around and immediately went into trying to sweet-talking her.
“Of course I didn't say that. You clearly are my sleeping beauty,” he grabbed her hand and went to kiss it. “I wanted to wake you with a kiss, but I was warned that might not be the best way to wake you so we were waiting for you to get up and I was just having a meaningless conversation with my brother. You know, brotherly conversation.” Sorin was nodding his head, hoping that Aoi wouldn’t be mad at him too. She stared at both of them for a moment. I clearly know something shady is happening, but I’ll just wait it out for now. Aoi went back to eating her waffles.
“You said something was planned for today? And that is…” Kuro took a deep breath.
“I wanted to take you somewhere special. It's kind of a surprise though. So will you hurry up-” Sorin elbowed Kuro in his side. “Uh, I mean, as soon as you get ready we can depart, my princess.” Aoi began to spread strawberry jam on her croissants. Her text tone went off. She pulled out her phone to see that Aurora had messaged her back. She looked at Kurohyou. “I won't steal your phone from you this time. I mean business today. Let me show you a good time.” Aoi sighed as she put her phone on the table.
“Well if I’m texting him all day then we won't be able to pull this off huh? I’ll just tell him I’m touring the city with my friends and I'm leaving my phone in my room for today,” she said as she stood up from the table. “I'm going to get dressed now.”
“We will go wait outside the room for you. Let's go onii,” Sorin started to push his brother out of the room. Aoi waited until they left before going into her closet. She didn't know what he had planned but she was a little excited. Her phone began to ring. She looked at her phone and Aurora was calling her. She didn't respond to his text yet. He must be worried my phone was taken again. Aoi picked up the phone.
“Good morning Aurora, how are you this morning?”
“I'm doing okay. Just checking on you. Don't want to interrupt anything between you and-"
“You are never going to interrupt anything referring to Kuro. I am getting dressed for my day. I don't know what the gang wants to do so I don't really know if I should wear my shorts or a sundress.”
“Well, I uh, whatever you wear you should let me see to make sure that it looks good, or so that I can approve that no one will think it's too much, ya know…” Aoi laughed aloud.
“I think Janaru and them could do that for me but if it makes you feel better, I'll take a picture for you. But they are waiting for me so I'm gonna hang up alright?”
“Wait, Ummm, are you going to have your phone with you or is you-know-who going to take it again.”
“Well, I was thinking about leaving my phone in my room today just because I didn't want to lose it or anything. If I need you I'll text you or call you on Janaru’s phone. I wanna feel out the town and flow before I bring my phone if that's okay with you.”
“I'm okay with it. I trust you Aoi. Can you please tell me what's going on tonight when you get home? It's not like you to keep things from me.” Aoi took a deep breath.
“Yeah, I'm sorry. I more or less don't want you to worry about me because I can handle myself.” Aoi finished getting dressed and went to the mirror to take a picture. She sent it to Aurora.
“I see you went with the dress. It looks very nice Ai. You always look nice no matter what you wear.” Aoi left the closet to go grab her camera.
“Thank you, Aurora.” Aoi turned as her door opened. Janaru walked in. “Alright I have to go, Janaru is ready to leave and you know how she gets when she's ready to go.”
“Yeah, I will talk to you tonight. Don't forget to call me when you get home.”
“I won't Aurora. Later" Aoi hung up the phone. Aurora sighed to himself.
“I love you…”
Aoi and Janaru met up with Leei, Tanashee, and Yachiru in the lounge area. Several other students were sitting in the area as well. Aoi was looking around. Janaru looked at her.
“Girl who are you looking for?”
“Kuro and Sorin. They said they had something planned for me today. But I don't-"
“This place is amazing Prince Kurohyou!” a classmate said.
“Prince Sorin, how old are you? Have you lived here your whole life? It must be nice living here,” another classmate added. Aoi folded her arms.
“Why am I not surprised,” she shook her head and locked her bedroom door. She started to walk over to the princes. Sorin looked to see Aoi coming their way. He nudged his big brother. Kurohyou looked in her direction and zoned out. The sunlight from the huge arched windows made it seem like Aoi was glowing. Their classmates were still talking to Kuro and soon realized that they no longer had his attention.
“Uh, earth to Prince Kurohyou?” a girl questioned. He snapped back to reality.
“Sorry you guys, there's something my brother and I need to take care of. If you'll excuse us.” They made their way over to Aoi and her friends who were right behind her. Their classmates saw where he was going and stared at Aoi for a moment before going back to their own conversations. Aoi placed her hand on her hip.
“So, what is it that you had planned for today?” Kuro grabbed Aoi’s other hand and kissed it lightly. Aoi looked away annoyed.
“That sundress really fits you in all the right places. Should I let you go out like that? Someone might try and take my princess away from me,” he said still holding her hand to his lips. Aoi kindly removed her hand from his grasp.
“Didn't we discuss that we would keep this up in front of the Queen? This is unnecessary right now.”
“On the contrary, every guard placed in this area reports to Leon. And he reports to my grandmother. So I wouldn't put it past her to make sure we are consistent. But, as soon as we go to the activity I have planned for us today, we can just be friends.”
“About that, can my friends come too?” Kurohyou looked at his brother and then back at Aoi.
“Well, the activity I planned was just for you and I…”
“Yeah but if we are going outside as ‘friends’ then having more people around shouldn't be a problem right? You did say you would pay for everything me and my friends did. That was our deal.”
“Yes, you are correct. That's fine with me. Everything will still go as planned I will just need to call the venue to prepare them for four more guests. You all go ahead outside, I will get Leon to get the carriages ready.”
Yachiru hugged Aoi from behind, “You are the best girl. I'm super excited.” Aoi laughed.
“Come on, let's go wait outside you guys.”
* * * * *
Kurohyou found Leon waiting outside of the Queen’s room. It isn't his normal post so Kurohyou was kind of confused. “Hey, Leon can you do me a favor and get two carriages out front for me. I'm going out for a little while.”
“Sir, I already have four outside did you want me to add two more?”
“Wh-why is there four out?”
“The Queen requested it.”
“What? Does she plan on going somewhere?” The doors to the Queen's room opened and the Queen was on the other side.
“Leon I am ready to go,” she said as she walked out of her room. She saw that her grandson was standing with Leon. “Oh didn't I tell you, grandson, I heard that you made plans to go out with one other person. I assumed it was with Aoi and thought it would be a good chance for you to get to know the other girls. So I told the venue that there would be more than two coming and invited the girls to come as well. I will also be attending. I hope you don't mind.” She gave her grandson a victory smile. It was very faint but Kurohyou could see it. He took a deep breath.
“I don't mind at all Your Majesty. I was actually going to bring some of her friends which is why I came to Leon to get more carriages ready. So Leon, could you just add one more to the four we already have outside. I'll have my friends come along as well. Can you have someone send for them?” Kuro gave his grandmother a confident look.
“Of course, I will get right on it.” Leon walked away hastily. Kuro and the Queen locked eyes with each other.
“Since Leon is gone and I have no other servants around would you be so kind as to walk your grandmother outside?” She reached out her hand. Kurohyou calmly put out his arm for her to grab.
“It would be my pleasure.” As they walked away from her room Kuro started to think to himself. This isn't going to be good. Not only did she invite the girls she wants me to choose from, she will be there as well. So that means that Aoi will have to put up the charade the whole time we are out together. Not that I'm against it, it helps me in the long run, but she will not be happy about this.
* * * * *
Aoi was waiting outside with her friends taking pictures of things around her. When she heard neighs from a horse she turned to see where they were coming from. She saw five carriages pull up in front of the castle. Aoi looked at her friends confused. “Why are there five of them you guys?”
“Maybe each of us can get our own ride or something,” Tanashee added. Aoi shook her head.
“That doesn't make sense, maybe someone else is going out today.”
“So is this what commoners wear on an everyday basis?” Yumei said as she approached Aoi and her friends. Aoi rolled her eyes.
“I see you are stuck up on your days off too. Don't you have better things to be doing?”
“Actually the Queen invited us out today so we are waiting for her. The real question is where are you and your little ragtag group planning to go? I'm sure you don't have a lot of money to do anything.”
“Well, Kurohyou is taking us out today, said he had something planned for me especially.” Yumei flipped her hair in disgust to Aoi's response. The little banter was interrupted by fanfare. Everyone looked at the entrance, the Queen was coming. They watched as The Queen was being escorted out by Kurohyou. As they descended the stairs Kanade and Okuma snuck in behind the group. Upon reaching the ground step, everyone greeted the Queen.
“Good morning, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, yes. Good morning children. Is everyone here ready for the activity my grandson has planned for this afternoon?” Aoi was confused.
“Everyone? Kuro, I thought this was just for us?” Kurohyou went over to Aoi and grabbed her hands. His body blocked her face from the Queen's view.
“It was just for us, my Grandmother decided this was a good time for all of us to get to know each other.” He could see that the pieces were being put together in her head. They had a silent conversation as everyone began to fill the carriages.
“So, you mean that not only do I have to put up this act for the entire time, I have to also deal with verbal attacks from the mean girl club over there?”
“I know, I know. I didn't plan on this today, I really wanted you to relax and be yourself today. You already know,” he put her hands to his lips, “I will do anything to make it up to you.” Aoi quickly pulled her hands from his grasp and took a deep breath.
“You owe me big time.” Aoi shot him dagger eyes before getting onto the carriage. This time Kuro spoke aloud.
“Anything you want, my princess, and it will be yours,” he said with a smirk on his face. Aoi fought herself from saying anything snarky back.
“Hurry up, you are keeping us waiting, grandson. And you know how much I dislike waiting.” Kurohyou let out a chuckle.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
* * * * *
Around thirty minutes later the group arrived in front of a huge banquet looking building. It looked as if it had some remodeling done to keep it from falling apart. Most of the walls were covered with moss and vines. Some smaller flowers blanketed the grass. They had those same huge bay windows on the front of the building that they had in the airport. Aoi was so caught up in how beautiful it was she didn't even take pictures. Her face was just glowing as she stepped out of the carriage. Yachiru elbowed Aoi, “Aren't you glad you aren't missing this?” Aoi rolled her eyes.
“Okay I get it, sheesh,” she laughed, “I didn't know what was going to happen but I'm kinda happy I'm here.” Kanade overheard Aoi’s little conversation. He threw his arm over Kuro’s shoulder.
“Hopefully whatever you have planned must be working bro. Just heard her say that she was happy to be here.” A sneaky grin crept over his face. He walked over to Aoi and grabbed her hand. She paused before looking over at the Queen who was watching them still. She took a deep breath before smiling and assuming her role. Kurohyou began to take her inside.
“Let's have some fun today, my princess.” Yumei scoffed to the other girls.
“Ha! I bet this girl has never been to a place like this before. She won't even appreciate what the Prince has in-store today.” The small group entered the hall. It was very spacious. There were a bunch of tables set up for some kind of demonstration. Aoi could see burners and bowls on top of the tables. She looked at Kurohyou. He winked at her. Aoi looked over to her friends. They were just now realizing what was going on. This was a cooking presentation. Janaru nudged her.
“So I see he’s actually trying to win you over, how is he doing?” she whispered and laughed at Aoi. Aoi folded her arms.
“I mean I can cook so basically this isn’t something that is gonna wow me unless chef Tumeril Mambasse himself walks in-” As she spoke a shorter stout pale man came out from some double doors. Aoi was frozen in her tracks. He wore a chef's hat and coat, and on his chef's coat was a signature TM on the left pocket. Kuro could see the shocked expression on Aoi’s face. He was grinning again, he couldn’t help it. Kanade leaned on Kuro’s shoulder.
“So, is this the big date you planned? I mean I know she loves to cook and stuff but shouldn’t you have taken her out to dinner.” Kuro went to speak but Okuma interrupted.
“I think I see what's going on, She must really like this chef so you brought him here for her.”
“Well,” Kuro put his hands in his pockets, “she loves this guy. And I know she will warm up now.” Kuro headed over to the chef. The girls were mumbling to themselves.
“Who is that?”
“Is he cooking for us today?”
“I'd rather be on a beach somewhere.” Yumei hushed all the girls.
“Did you all forget why we are here? We are supposed to be winning his heart. Come on cooking a small meal can't be that hard. I doubt she could even keep up with a famous chef. He will see that she isn't good enough for her and then winning his affection will be a piece of cake.” She flipped her hair. Aoi was still in shock. She tried really hard to keep her composure. Kurohyou turned to introduce his famous guest. He looked at Aoi the whole time.
“So ladies and my friends, I want to formally introduce the special guest for this afternoon's activity. He is world renown and also just so happens to be my princess’s favorite chef,” everyone looked at Aoi. Her eyes were gleaming. Kuro chuckled a little, “His name, if you already don’t know, is Tumeril Mambasse, and he will be walking us through a demonstration of one of his most popular dishes.” And it was almost at the same time when Aoi and Kurohyou spoke aloud.
“The oven-baked bourbon salmon topped with roasted garlic and lemon shrimp with cinnamon-infused couscous.” They were still looking at her. She was in complete awe. Her idol right before her. As Kurohyou saw the excitement in her eyes he started to reminisce the first time he saw her watching Tumeril’s cooking show.
Kurohyou ran into Aoi’s room. She was sitting on the floor watching a man cook. Kuro called out to her. “Ai! What are you doing?”
“I'm watching Tumeril, Shhh I'm trying to listen so I can write down the recipe.”
“Can't that wait? Mom said that she would show us a cool dance today!”
“No, it can't wait. He is finally telling me how to make my favorite dish ever! The salmon and shrimp with couscous!” Kuro folded his arms.
“How do you even know it's good?” Aoi shot dagger eyes at him. He jumped back a little. She went back to writing down the recipe.
“I just… I know it. It's got salmon… and shrimp… and garlic… it looks so yummy…” she said while almost drooling on her recipe book. “I want to be just like him. He makes yummy food and it makes people happy and I just wanna make everyone happy,” she covered her chest with her recipe book. Kurohyou stared at her for a moment.
“Ai, I will be right back,” he said before darting out of her room. She was barely paying attention. Kuro ran to his home as fast as he could. The look on her face made his baby heart beat faster. “Mom! Dad! Can we go outside today!?”
Aoi just finished watching the cooking episode before Kuro came rushing into her room again. She turned and laughed.
“What are you doing now? Why were you running?” Kuro tried to catch his breath.
“My… My mom… she’s… shes gonna…”
“Oh, right we were going to be taught a dance right Kuro?” He took a deep breath.
“About that, we are gonna have to learn that some other time. We are going somewhere. Grab your family. Meet us outside.” He said before dashing back out of the room. Aoi was looking at the door strangely.
“Okay, Kuro.” Aoi got dressed and went into the living room and told her parents and siblings that Kuro said to meet him outside. They all looked at each other and then went outside with Aoi. A limo was outside. Kuro was waving out the window.
“Come on you guys let's go!” Everyone was looking around. They didn't know they had this much money. Aoi wasn't really fazed by the car but more or less where it would be taking her. They hopped in and went for a little drive. Aoi and Kuro’s parents chatted while the children played amongst themselves. When they arrived at the destination, Aoi almost cried. It was one of chef Tumeril’s Restaurants. Aoi’s parents were frozen. They almost got back into the limo. Kuro grabbed Aoi’s hand and began to pull her inside. Everyone ventured inside and they were sat immediately in a private room. Aoi’s eyes were sparkling. Her parents were still in shock, at this point they realized these were people of importance. They could never tell considering they lived right next door to them and were never the flashy type. Aoi looked at the menu and was eagerly searching for it, her favorite dish. She couldn't find it. Her heart sank a little. It's the one dish she’s always wanted to try. Kuro could see that the excitement had left her. The waiter had come back to start taking orders in. He got around to Aoi who was sullen.
“What would you like today, young miss?”
“...Nothing…” Her mom looked at her.
“Sweetie, you don't want anything at all?”
“No, they don't have it here, I don't want anything at all.”
“There has to be something in here you will eat,” her mother said looking at the menu again. Kuro got up and went over to the waiter and signaled him to come closer. He obliged and leaned over to the small child. Kuro whispered in his ear. The waiter nodded and went to put the orders in. After some amount of time, Aoi’s older brother pulled her ear. She was still pouting.
“Onii… why did you do that?”
“You shouldn’t be making such a face in here. Isn't it one of your favorite places?” Aoi shrugged her shoulders. Shaimori sighed. “But, don’t you want to show thanks to the nice people who brought you here?” Aoi shrugged her shoulders again. Kuro poked Aoi’s shoulder. She looked at him, cheesing at her.
“Why aren't you happy? I thought you wanted to come here.”
“I did. I’ve always wanted to come here.”
“So why aren't you having fun?”
“They… they don't have the dish I want.” Aoi went to look at her hands in her lap. “I’m sorry. I was super excited and now I'm not. I just wanna go home.”
“Home? We haven't even gotten our food yet.”
“I don't want anything else but-” Aoi stopped speaking. She wiggled her nose as she inhaled. She could smell food headed in her direction. It all smelled delicious. She watched as everyone got their food. Even though she had not ordered anything, the food that was surrounding her looked so good. She started to wonder if she was wrong about not choosing anything at all. This could be a once in a lifetime chance. Before she could open her mouth to speak a covered platter was set before her. She looked up at the waiter. He bowed.
“Special order for the young miss. Tumeril sends his regards. Hopes this is what you were looking for.” When he lifted the lid, it was there. The shrimp topped salmon and couscous. She lit up all over again and looked at Kurohyou.
“Thank you so much, Kuro!!!”
Aoi looked at Kuro and without thinking mouthed, “Thank you Kuro.” Kuro got chills throughout his body. He felt a little different. Something else was stirring up inside of him. He shook it off before speaking again. “Now we are supposed to technically be in groups of two. Since the activity was supposed to be for my princess and I, she will obviously be my-”
“Oh, dear. I wonder who will be my partner?” the Queen said acting aloof. Kuro looked at Aoi who was looking at her hands. She was a little nervous. Kuro took a deep breath.
“I suppose I will have to help you out grandmother. Everyone group up into pairs of two.” Aoi snapped out of her nervousness for a moment. She turned to her best friend who was willing.
“I call dibs on the princess to be,” Kanade said as he grabbed her hand. Everyone watched as he pulled her to his body. Kuro started to steam. Aoi rolled her eyes. Janaru went to be partners with Tanashee and Leei was with Yachiru. She sighed.
“Don’t drag me down Kanade.”
“Not at all sweet thing.” Aoi shuddered. Kuro started to walk over to his friend. His grandmother stopped him.
“Oh dear I think the group is oddly numbered, I suppose I will sit and watch this time. In the meantime, I pick Yumei to cover my spot for this activity.” Yumei went over and bowed before him.
“Your Highness, if you'll have me.” Kuro looked over at Aoi who had already picked her station and tied her hair up. She wasn't going to let anyone stand in her way of this cooking demonstration. Things weren't going quite to plan, but he was going to make this work. Chef Tumeril stood at his station in front of the group. He began to instruct the class. The beginning stuff was easy, but when it came to some other steps people started to become confused.
“We are going to clarify some butter. This butter we are using in the parchment hearts that we will be steaming the salmon in. To clarify the butter you have to slowly heat some butter and then you will see solids float to the top.” Aoi had her double boiler ready. She has done this a million times at home. This was a piece of cake. The chef had seen Aoi working diligently, making sure she was only scooping the solids off the top.
“You are pretty skilled at this. Do you often do this at home?”
“Yeah, it's pretty versatile. I use it for almost all of my meals.”
“Well, keep up the good work. Excellent job.” he began to walk around again. Yumei saw Aoi being praised and scoffed.
“This can't be that hard. I’ll show them.” She began to scoop the solids. Kuro looked at her. She wasn't taking her time at all.
“You might want to take your time with this so we don't mess this up.”
“It's not even hard to do, I don't see what the big deal is.” The chef walked by her station and watched her work. He shook his head.
“Madam, that's not going to work out well if you rush it. Do you not see what is happening?” Yumei stopped. She looked at the clear container in which she was putting her solids. It was beginning to separate. “At the rate you are going you will not have enough clarified butter for today's meal. I suggest that you start over, and go slowly. Would you like me to ask Miss Aoi to come and assist you?” Aoi heard the comment and looked over at Yumei, smiling ear to ear. Yumei huffed.
“I’m fine. I don't need her.” Chef Tumeril was confused for a moment. After the brief pause, he went back to his station.
“Now, as one of you works on the butter, the other will start preparing for the salmon. The salmon is already in filet form but what you are going to do is take the parchment paper at your stations, fold them in half, and then cut out a heart. Like you may have done for a valentine in school per se. Proceed like so…” He demonstrated how to cut the parchment paper. “As you can see, this is very simple. You will only need two of them.” Everyone who was not doing the butter started to cut paper hearts. Aoi looked over at Kuro, who was already cutting the paper. He made his too thin. He tried again and he had made it too short. Aoi laughed a little. Kanade noticed. He began to cut his hearts and cut the tip of his finger.
“Ouchh…” Aoi quickly looked at him he was shaking his hand. Aoi quickly turned on the cold water and grabbed his hand.
“Put it under here until I find you a bandage.” Kanade’s eyes sparkled.
“Do you really care about me?” Aoi pulled a bandage out of the drawer. She turned the water off and handed it to him.
“I already told you earlier,” Kanade could feel fire behind her eyes as she looked at him, “do not drag me down. Make sure you didn't get blood anywhere. Do you need me to cut the hearts?” Kanade sighed.
“I got it. I got it.” Kanade went to cut the paper. Chef Tumeril went on instructing the class. Aoi was making sure to pay attention to every detail. She wanted to perfect this right here, right now. The whole time Kuro was watching Aoi, seeing her measure out the seasonings, carefully folding the salmon into the paper hearts without making it too tight, smiling when she was being praised again and again. It made him reminisce the time they had spent together when they were younger. Yumei could clearly tell he wasn't as focused as he should have been. After the salmon was put into the ovens, they took a short intermission since everything was already prepped and ready to go. Aoi scurried over to her friends.
“I am on cloud nine. I can't believe this is happening. Someone pinch me,” Aoi moved her arm as Janaru went to pinch her. Janaru shrugged her shoulders.
“Well, you did ask.” As Aoi and her friends chatted, Yumei had become frustrated. She wasn't making any progress with Kurohyou and Aoi was stealing the spotlight. She grabbed onto Kuro’s arm.
“She must have learned how to cook because she doesn't have anyone else to do it for her. Aren't we so fortunate that we didn't have to go through that?” Kuro gently removed himself from her grasp. He looked at Aoi.
“I actually think it's very attractive and sincere.” Yumei could tell it was backfiring. Kuro turned to her. He lifted her chin. “Who knows? Maybe if you knew how to cook I would have made you mine already.” Yumei started to blush. Aoi saw this and shrugged it off. Yumei saw that it didn't faze her. She began to walk around and ended up near Aoi’s station. She saw the Garlic shrimp topping on her station. She looked around to see if anyone was looking before grabbing it and tossing it in the garbage.
“Oops!” she said aloud. Everyone looked at her. Aoi saw that she was at her station. “Oh, Aoi I am so sorry, I was just walking around and I’ve accidentally knocked your shrimp topping into the garbage. I'm such a klutz.” Aoi rolled her eyes before walking over to her station. She washed her hands and grabbed some more shrimp.
“No problem, I will just make it again.” Everyone was watching her now, even Chef Tumeril and The Queen herself. She cleaned the shrimp, quickly diced some peppers, minced some garlic, and tossed it all in a pan with the clarified butter and some salt and pepper. As she finished the oven timer went off. “Just in time.” Chef Tumeril motioned for everyone to grab their salmons and to return to their station to start plating. Aoi winked at Yumei. “Nice try, you'll have to do better than that.” Yumei growled silently to herself before returning to her station. The group began to plate their meals. Once everyone finished the Chef got everyone's attention.
“Great job everyone! You all have successfully created one of my signature dishes. It won't taste the same without something special. The secret ingredient that I have never disclosed to anyone. I will tell you today as a treat.” Aoi was excited. This is what she had been waiting for her entire existence. Chef Tumeril took out a bottle. He showed it to everyone. “It is honey. Now, I know what you are gonna say, why would you add honey to this savory dish? Well, I liked to have just a little hint of sweetness and a squirt of the lemon just it adds a refreshing note to this dish. So if you very lightly drizzle this over the top, and then add the lemon juice it just blows the mind.” Aoi was in awe. This whole time she had it in her cabinet but never thought to add it to this, not even the slightest thought. “That's all we have for today. Thank you so much, Your Highness, for inviting me. And for you all to join me today. Please enjoy your hard work and have a great rest of your day.” Chef Tumeril walked over to Aoi. “And you miss Aoi, you were exceptional to have today. Please, Have this personalized knife kit, apron, and chef's hat. You really should take up a career in the food industry. You would be just perfect for it.” Aoi bowed.
“Thank you so much, I really wish that comes to pass. I don't deserve this praise at all.”
“Nonsense, you have a natural talent. Just keep honing your skills. You will get there someday. Take care.”
“Thank you again. Take care as well.” Aoi waited until he left the room before squealing to her friends. “Today is the absolute best I'm so happy we came here!” Kuro walked up behind Aoi and tapped her shoulder.”
“Ahem, I mean… I did put this together…” To Kuro’s surprise, Aoi threw her arms around him.
“You are the best. Thank you so much, Kuro! I lov-” Aoi stopped herself. She had forgotten that she was surrounded by people. She looked away. Kuro smirked and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tight.
“Anything for you my princess.” He could tell that Aoi was having a conversation with herself. He whispered in her ear. “Were you about to say that you loved me?” Aoi’s face started to burn. She couldn't say anything. Kurohyou laughed. “Well, it would have been appropriate since I have chosen you to be my princess and would have been great in front of my Grandmother. But I will settle with a kiss.” Aoi snapped out of her muteness.
“You are not getting a kiss,” she whispered. Kuro smiled slyly.
“Come on now don't be like that my princess. It's perfectly okay to kiss your prince.” Aoi rolled her eyes and saw that they were still kind of watching her, especially the Queen. Aoi took a deep breath.
“Alright.” Kuro, once again, was surprised. He didn't think she was actually going to do it. He closed his eyes. I’ve got her now. Once she kisses me I will have her completely under my spell. She will stick to me like glue. He leaned in closer and puckered up. He felt a gentle, warm touch on his cheek. He opened his eyes and saw Aoi covering her mouth.
“That's all you are getting. Be grateful.” Kuro stared blankly at her for a moment before laughing.
“Yes, My princess.” Aoi went over to her plate and took pictures of it. She didn’t even want to eat it just yet. Kuro, Kanade, and Okuma saw her giving it a photoshoot. Yumei was annoyed.
“What is so special about hers? We all did the same thing.” She grabbed a fork and walked over to Aoi’s plate. Aoi watched as she took a piece of her salmon.
“Hey! I wasn't done taking pictures!”
“I just wanna see what all the fuss is about.” She stuck the fork in her mouth. Her eyes began to sparkle. She shook her head to shake it off. “I’m sure my dish tastes the same.” Yumei went over and ate some of her dish. Her face twisted up a little. The salmon was too dry. She used too much cinnamon and it made it a little spicier than it was intended to be. The shrimp was rubbery. It was almost as if a four-year-old had made this dish. And that would have been their best work. Yumei was a little embarrassed, she took the plate and tossed it into the garbage. Kuro walked over to her.
“Hey, that was our dish, not just yours. I would have liked to try it.”
“I am so sorry Your Highness. I couldn't have let you eat that.” Yumei darted for the exit. Kuro sighed. He, Okuma, and Kanade went back to Aoi’s dish. They also took a fork full for themselves. Aoi snatched the plate away.
“Come on you guys! I’ve waited almost my entire life to try this! Stop eating it all for yourselves!” She paused when she saw the expressions on their faces. Okuma had taken off his glasses and put them back on as if he needed to readjust his sight to see what he was tasting. Kanade was quiet and his eyes looked like hearts were coming from them. And Kuro, well, he just looked at Aoi, marveling at her as if she were a fine painting hanging behind red velvet ropes in a museum. He was lightly licking honey off his lips. Aoi shrugged it off and tasted it herself. “Wow, I wasn't expecting this to taste like this! The honey really changes the flavor profile in such a light and delicate way but it's just perfect.”
“Ahem,” the Queen stood up. “I would like to taste this dish as well.” Aoi sucked her teeth but didn’t want to upset her so she brought over her plate and allowed the Queen to taste. The Queen’s mouth began to water as she was chewing the salmon. She closed her eyes. “This is very much a high-quality dish that you have managed to put together here. Congratulations.” Aoi wasn't expecting to be praised and lowered her head.
“Th-thank you very much, Your Majesty.” The Queen headed towards the door.
“I’ve had my share of fun for today so I will be taking my leave now. Dearest grandson of mine,” Kurohyou snapped out of his honey trance and turned to his grandmother. “You both haven't passed just yet.” She left out of the building. Kanade grabbed Kurohyou.
“Wife her. You have to. She will cook for you all the time” Kuro looked over at her. She was stuffing her face again. He sighed.
“Once I have her where I want her she will never leave me. I won't have to marry her to do that. My plan stays as is. I only have one goal right now.” He started to head to the front of the building. “Revenge.”