Against All Odds

Chapter Eleven

I enter the kitchen, not expecting anyone to be inside yet since the sun isn't even up yet. I couldn't sleep, not after Henry's news. But there's a woman inside, sitting down at the island in the middle of the large room. She has her light blonde hair up in a tight bun, a white chef uniform on. She immediately makes me think of a sweet grandmother. She nearly chokes on her drink upon seeing me, standing up in a rush.

"Miss Tyler, good morning. What can I help you with?"

I smile, tucking my hair behind my ear. "Good morning. I... wanted to make Henry something to eat. He came back and mentioned he hadn't eaten but he was too tired and wanted to sleep."

"What would you like to have me make?"

I flush, pressing my lips together nervously. "Well, I'd actually really like to make it for him. I've been up for hours and I really want to have something to do."

She tries to cover up her shock with a nod. "Absolutely, Miss Tyler."

"It's Mia," I utter, walking up the edge of the island. "I'm not formal. I'm sorry. I'm not- well, I'm not really used to how all this works yet."

She smiles, nodding quickly. "Of course. Well, I shall get out of your way then." She reaches for her newspaper.

"You don't have to leave. I was the one that barged in on you. It's okay. Just pretend I'm not here," I say, walking over to the fridge. I glance back as she sits slowly, obviously uncomfortable.

"Are you always here this early?" I ask, pulling out eggs and peppers from the fridge. She turns in her seat, towards me.

"I am. I usually don't begin preparing meals until six though. His highness doesn't usually eat until after his run."

I place the peppers and eggs onto the countertop.

"Miss Tyler?"

"Mia," I repeat sweetly, turning back to her. She chuckles awkwardly.

"Well, Mia, he actually detests green peppers, just letting you know."

I blink in shock but nod, smiling. "Oh... I didn't know that. Thank you."

"Of course."

I'm beet red when I look back at the eggs. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding on your tea."

"No, don't be. I'm glad for it. Would you fancy a cup?"

"Don't put yourself out. I'll get it."

"It's no problem at all," she says, standing. I realize she's probably extremely uncomfortable so I don't fight her on it.

"Are you a New Yorker?"

I nod, grinning, pulling the eggs from the carton. "How could you tell?"

"You have a slight accent. It's not really heavy but I spent some time there and I recognized it."

"I'm from Queens."

"Oh? Your family is there or here?"

"There. My aunt."

"And your parents?"

I glance at her. "They passed away when I was a child."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

I shake my head, smiling gently. "It was a long time ago."

"What brought you to England?"

"I was asked to perform at the Royal Opera House."