Jade bit her lip, turning to look toward her room again. "Maybe I'll visit the kitchen. She stops by there from time to time, so maybe she got distracted?" There was a hint of hope in her otherwise worried tone. She glanced at Gail. "Let's go." She gave a brief smile to the other guard posted beside her room then started down the beautiful halls. Lush grey carpet softened every hurried step she took, the portraits of past kings and queens staring blankly from their spot on the wall. She placed a small hand on the railing of the stairs and practically ran down them. Please, be in there. She thought to herself. She took a right turn past the dining room, searching for the servant's enterance. She smiled as the scent of fresh dough and cookies filled the air. She slowly pulled the door open to reveal the head cook barking orders to the younger cooks. His cheeks were flushed red as he snapped at a man for having the wrong type of sugar. He spun around, preparing to yell at someone when his eyes caught on the princess in her robe. "Your Highness!" He sank into a quick bow. The others did the same before returning to their hasty cooking. "To what do I owe the honor of serving you? Would you like a pastry?" He asked, his voice suddenly chipper; there was even a small smile on his lips. Suddenly, a woman burst from the pantry. "Princess Jade!" The woman informally greeted her, coming up and smooshing her in a hug. A little girl clung to the joyful woman's leg. "It's been so long since you've visited us!" She held Jade's arms, leaning back to look her up and down. "You've grown." She sighed.

"I've missed you, Rebecca." Jade hugged her again then reached down to ruffle the little girl's pigtails. "Hi, Hannah." The little girl smiled then backed away. Rebecca, finally finding her manners, looked over at Gail. "Oh, deary, who is this?" She eyed Jade then elbowed her lightly, leaning toward her to say "Did the king finally find you a nice looking guard?" She elbowed her a few more times until Jade giggled and pushed her away playfully. "Rebecca!" She squeaked, earning a few gentle glances from the cooks.

Jade couldn't help but feel as though Gail was more comfortable down here than he was following her around all day. "Wait, did you say you've cooked?" She reached toward his arm, but she pulled her hand back before she could make contact. Her entire expression shifted as she got an idea. "Prove it." She teased lightly, practically bouncing on her toes. Rebecca rook her arm for a second, leaning in and telling her that Nima was in the back helping in place of a sick cook. Jade nodded slowly, a hand on Hannah's shoulder. The little girl threw her hands up and Jade gave in, lifting the girl onto her hip. "You're so big now!" She tapped the girl on the nose and they both giggled. The princess turned to Gail again with a hopeful smile. "And I wanna help."

Rebecca clapped and tapped the head chef on the shoulder. The big man turned toward his wife, giving her a kiss on the cheek as she passed. Hannah squirmed and Jade let her slip to the floor. "Papa," The girl grabbed the chef's leg but he gently pushed her back. "Felix!" Rebecca snapped from the pantry and the chef only chuckled, sneaking a piece of dough for his daughter. Hannah waddled off with her mouth stuffed. Jade rerouted her focus on Gail. "What's first?" She pulled her robe off, slipping her hands over her nightgown. She placed her gown on a hook with the coats of the workers. She thotoughly cleaned her hands, flicking the excess droplets at Gail with a snort. She scurried away, grabbing an apron. "I'm all ready!" She smiled at her guard.

Jade thought hard for a second. "Maybe we can make cookies? Like the sugar cookies in stores? I've never had them, but they seem delightful!" She had mistakenly gotten a catalog of pastries from a store outside the walls. The flakey sugar cookies with frosing and star shaped sprinkles had been engraved in her memory and she longed to taste them. Jade glanced around the kitchen, spotting Nima in the corner, head ducked over her work. She'd pay her a visit later. As if on que, Nima looked up, wiping her forehead. She caught Jade's gaze and shared a smile before returning to her masterpiece. The princess spun around to see a boy run in. She tilted her head, curiosity getting the better of her jusgement. "What's that?" She asked. "If you don't mind me asking, of course." She added, stammering slightly, an embarassed flush on her cheeks. Rebecca eyed the pair, smiling to herself.

Jade clapped, nodding. "Yes!" She cheered, starting for the pantry. She had notice his reaction to the letter, but she didn't prod. She spoke to Nima for a second before walking to Rebecca. She and Jade caught up on how the past year had been while Gail collected the ingredients. "I'm going to go help him." She jabbed her thumb in the direction he was before hurrying over. Rebecca gave Jade a knowing look. Jade came up beside Gail. "I wanna hold the sprinkles." She plucked the container from his arms and opened the top, letting a couple fall into her palm. She dropped them in her mouth. Suddenly her eyes lit up. "These are so good." She hummed.