Chapter 2 - My Precious King: Chapter 2 - A Taste of Royalty

The following days were a blur for Kai. He found himself constantly replaying his encounter with Prince Ren, his cheeks flushing with every memory of the prince's smile. He baked with a newfound passion, experimenting with flavors and decorations, desperate to create something worthy of a royal palate.Finally, he settled on a batch of delicate rosewater macarons, their pastel pink shells filled with a creamy almond ganache. He carefully packed them in a small, woven basket, his hands trembling with anticipation.He convinced his father to let him deliver the macarons to the palace himself. This time, he was prepared for the guards' scrutiny, his heart pounding in his chest as he presented the basket. To his surprise, he was quickly ushered inside, not to the kitchens as before, but to a private garden, bathed in the soft afternoon light.And there he was. Prince Ren sat on a stone bench, a book resting in his lap. He looked up as Kai approached, a genuine smile gracing his lips."Kai," he said, his voice warm. "I was hoping you would come."Kai bowed, offering the basket. "I... I brought you something, Your Highness. Rosewater macarons."Ren took the basket, his fingers brushing against Kai's. A jolt of electricity shot through Kai, making him stumble slightly. Ren steadied him with a gentle hand on his arm."Careful," Ren said, his eyes filled with concern. "Thank you, Kai. These look exquisite." He took one of the macarons, his gaze fixed on Kai as he took a bite.Kai held his breath, watching Ren's expression. A slow smile spread across the prince's face. "Delicious," he murmured. "You truly have a gift.""Thank you, Your Highness," Kai whispered, his heart soaring.Ren gestured to the bench beside him. "Please, sit. Tell me more about this gift of yours. What inspires you?"And so, under the warm afternoon sun, Kai found himself talking to Prince Ren about his love for baking, his dreams, and his simple life in the bakery. Ren listened intently, asking questions, his eyes never leaving Kai's face.As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the garden, Ren stood up. "Thank you, Kai," he said, his voice sincere. "This has been... enlightening."He took Kai's hand, his touch sending shivers down Kai's spine. "I look forward to seeing you again."Kai's heart skipped a beat. "I... I would like that very much, Your Highness."Ren smiled, a secret, knowing smile. "Then it is settled."As Kai walked back through the palace gates, he knew one thing for sure: his life would never be the same. He had tasted royalty, and he was hungry for more.