Chapter 18

It was late and we all departed for our beds. Jam said, “Jar, come knock on my door when you get up. My bedroom is on the right.”

I smiled. “Mine is on the left, dear.”

Everyone kissed good night. I went to bed feeling warm and happy.

In the morning, I woke, showered, and dressed. I was headed to Jam’s door and we met in the hall. Instead of knocking on a door, we kissed each other. With our arms around each other’s waist, we headed to the middle area to find coffee and breakfast. We found both in the same room. A server was there. She said, “Your Graces are up early. We are just finishing breakfast preparations. May I get you coffee?”

Jam said, “Please, ma’am. That would be good of you.” She bowed to us and left the room.

She returned moments later with two nice-sized cups and a silver tray with a coffee service. She said, “If you will be seated, I will pour your coffee. Breakfast will be out in a few moments.”

I took up the mantle. “Thank you. You are kind.”

She had bowed. She said, “Your Graces saved our King and Princess Anna. My brother was in the kitchen and escaped with them. If those animals hadn’t been stopped, they would have come out and killed more. We are glad you’re here and want your stay to be wonderful.” She bowed again as she left.

I had no answer to that. I was wide-eyed.

Jam said, “Just let it go, Jar. We just need to be us. That’ll keep us off pedestals.” He smiled at me.

After our blessing, we ate. The food was, of course, delicious. As we were finishing our plates, the rest walked in as well as did King Marcus. Jam stood as they entered and I quit eating. The King sat down beside me. “May I join you, Jar?”

“Yes, Sire. We’re glad to have you here.”

Were you almost finished?”

“Yes, Sire, with the first plate.” I grinned. I continued, “It’s so good and I don’t have to cook it.”

“You cook?”

“Yes, Sire. I’ve been on my own since I graduated high school but my mother taught me well before the cancer got her. When you come for the wedding, I will cook a meal for you. I have my own place there as well as the old farm.”

“Where will you live after you return?”

“Initially, Jam will continue to live with his parents. After our marriage, I think he will move in with me since I have a place. We’ll work that out over time,”

“He wouldn’t move in sooner?”

“No. Neither of us believe that’s proper though I know it’s done by many.”

Servers came out with plates of food. The young lady stopped at my place and Jam’s. “May I get Your Graces anything else?”

“Please more of the omelet and potatoes if there are any left. Also, some more coffee, please. The King, my honorary father, is eating and we will join him.” Jam smiled and nodded at her.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Thank you. You’ve been very kind.”

She left with Jam’s plate and mine. She returned in moments with three coffee pots to set out on the table. She poured ours and the King’s. Another server brought out fresh plates with more food for Jam and for me. She placed the plates. She bowed to all and went out the door.

I said, “Sire, is it allowed for Jam and me to go into the kitchen and thank everyone?”

“Yes, Your Grace.” He smirked. Then, he said, “Seriously, Jar, I think it would be a noble thing to do and the people would appreciate it.”

Jam and I finished our breakfasts. We picked up our plates and silverware and carried those items into the kitchen area. The area suddenly became quiet. I said, “We want to thank you for the great food and service this morning. We don’t mean to trouble anyone.” I added that because they all seemed to be in shock.

Jam said, “We truly appreciate your efforts.”

An older man in a chef’s coat and hat came to us. “Your Graces are welcome. It is our pleasure to serve you.” He shook Jam’s hand vigorously. When I held mine out, he kissed it!

He said to me, “Thank you for gracing my kitchen with your presence.” He then embraced me and kissed my cheeks.

When we separated, Jam and I bowed. They all bowed back smiling. We left for the dining room. The King was smiling but said, “So much for discipline. Jar, you are a breath of fresh air.”

We smiled but kept going out into the hall.

“Jar, what do you want to do?”

“Let’s walk the garden.” He nodded and that’s where we went. It wasn’t long before we saw the other two pairs join us. We weren’t walking fast since we had our arms around each other’s waist. We were talking about our upcoming wedding and where we would live after we married. Jam wanted to return to Landers for our honeymoon though he admitted the farm sounded good, too. Living at my condo worked for him. He said that we might look for another place but that would be only in a few years. We had settled on everything except the date. That would depend upon the church’s availability and our pastor.

We stopped and kissed frequently. The garden lent itself to that. We passed the other two couples of us but not often. We enjoyed our walk. We returned to the suite and sat in the love seat. I asked, “Jam, what do think about walking out in the village?”

“Sounds good to me. I want to show my beautiful fiancee, the Duchess of Meuse, off to the public.”