Chapter 33 Royal Appetite

Mia anxiously walked towards a private cabin booked in a Michelin-star restaurant. She was unsure why Lord Alexander wanted to see her. She had been working diligently on his new luxury apartment, sending him all the details for his and changing anything he didn't like. So what had happened that required her urgent presence? Physically and emotionally exhausted, she hadn't gone home since the previous night. Although she often traveled for work, this time she missed her kids terribly, especially after spending time with their father. "Excuse me, I'm here to see Lord Alexander," she asked a waiter, who instantly nodded. "Yes, ma'am. He is waiting for you. This way, please," the waiter guided her to the private cabin. Mia knocked before entering. "Miss Peterson, finally you showed up," Lord Alexander commented sarcastically. "I'm sorry for being late, Lord Alexander," Mia apologized immediately. "I had a lot of work today." "It's okay, Miss Peterson. I was just joking," Lord Alexander waved dismissively and stood up to pull out a chair for Mia. "By the way, I told you, no formality between us." Mia was touched by his chivalry. She didn't know if a royal typically did this for a woman like her, but Lord Alexander was different. His actions showed how well he had been raised by a remarkable woman. Thank you, Alexander. And please, call me Mia, she murmured with a soft smile. "By the way, why did you need to see me urgently?" she asked as Lord Alexander took his seat. He pressed a button to call a waiter before turning his gaze back to Mia. "Yes, Mia. I want to personally invite you to the fundraising gala my mother organizes every year in memory of my missing sister," Lord Alexander explained. "She started many charity events and trusts in the hope that one day we might find her through the prayers and good wishes of the people." He sighed, staring into the distance, lost in thought. Mia felt a pang of empathy as she looked at Alexander's sad face. She genuinely hoped they could find the lost princess. "I will pray that you find your sister very soon," Mia said with concern. Thank you, Mia, Lord Alexander replied, his expression softening as he appreciated her kind words. "But I can't come with you. I apologize," Mia said, looking at him, hoping for understanding. "But why?" Lord Alexander frowned, his curiosity piqued. Mia hesitated. She couldn't tell him about Alessandro. "I have work to finish," she reasoned, averting her eyes and chewing her bottom lip. "I will bear the loss, Mia, but I want you to come with me. My mother will be very happy to see you," Lord Alexander pressed gently. Mia swallowed hard at the mention of his mother. Why would he want her to meet his mother? She didn't want any more drama in her life and was determined to refuse him. "Uh... Please, Alexander, try to understand..." she began. "Mia, if my sister were here, she would be around your age. I genuinely think meeting you will make my mother truly happy," Alexander's voice was filled with so many emotions that it moved Mia's heart. Being an orphan, she had always craved a mother's love. She didn't even know how it felt to be loved by her own mother. She now couldn't deny him and found herself saying, "Okay, I will come." "Great! We will leave early in the morning. I have to be there early to check the preparations myself. Be ready; I will pick you up from your place, Alexander said, and Mia nodded. "But you c didn't tell me where we are going?" Mia asked eagerly. "Fontainebleau," Alexander beamed. Fontainebleau! Mia thought with excitement. She had never been there, never had the chance to visit, but she had heard it was a very beautiful place. "Now, I'm starving. Would you mind ordering something?" he added, gesturing to the waiter who had been waiting outside for a while. Mia smiled. "Sure, let's order a feast." Alexander's eyes lit up.. "Perfect." He turned to the waiter and began rattling off an impressive list of dishes from the menu. "We'll start with the black truffle risotto, foie gras terrine, and duck à l'orange. Then, bring us the bouillabaisse, beef Wellington, and lobster bisque. For dessert, let's have the tarte Tatin, 2/3 mille-fouille, and a selection of macarons, Alexander instructed the waiter, making Mia's eyes widened with surprise. "And please bring us a bottle of your finest Bordeaux to accompany the meal," Alexander added. The waiter nodded solemnly and quickly went to relay the order to the kitchen. Mia chuckled softly. "That's quite the lineup. I hope we can manage to eat it all." Alexander grinned, shrugging playfully. "I hope you have a big royal appetite like mine." Mia rolled her eyes at the duke's playful boasting.