Here's the next chapter of "Puff Pastry Panic"! I'm stuck in a marriage interview with Sieg, and he's acting even worse than last night! I'm only getting more agitated by the minute, but there's more than one surprise in store for me.


"I'm here to pick you up, Miss Carly." Zain says to me, with a smile.

"Say what? Pick me up to go where?" I ask. "I have work…"

"I am here to escort you to your marriage interview." Zain tells me.

"EH?! Marriage interview?!" I shout, in surprise.

"Carly… You have been selected as a potential bride for the prince," Zain explains to me. "I am here to escort you to Nobel Michel."

What the…?! How…? Why…?! WHAT'S GOING ON?! ME?! As a potential bride for the prince?! What kind of mistake has occurred here?!

"The prince was actually looking for potential brides last night at the party," Zain explains to me. "When he tossed his bouquet to you, he was choosing you as a potential bride."

"So that's why he really chose me last night…?" I ask.

"Here is a small token from Prince Sieg," Zain says. "His Highness selected this dress and accessories with you in mind."

He opens up a box that is quite fancy and shows me its contents.

"He picked this out for me?" I ask, in surprise.

Why me?! Why did he pick me!? Am I still dreaming?! I don't know why, but I can't believe this is what's happening to me… I slap myself in the face, but sadly, this is just too real…

"Miss Carly? Miss Carly…?" Zain says, and I snap out of my daze. "Are you okay?"

"Heck no!" I shout. "Why was I chosen?! As if Sieg would choose me… That's impossible!"

Remembering the attitude Sieg had last night made my blood simmer a bit. He was really not that nice to me, and I don't intend on seeing him again.

"I think it was Sieg's own decision." Zain explains to me.

"There has GOT to be a mistake!" I say.

"No, he definitely chose you. If it's okay… We have a dress for you. I'll return tonight with the maids to help you change. After that, I'll take you to the restaurant for the marriage interview." Zain explains.

"Marriage interview?!" I shout, quite surprised about the situation.

"Yes, this is an opportunity to get to know him better as his potential bride," Zain says. "I've been entrusted with bringing you to the meeting place."

Get to know that Prince?! Out of the question for me! No way! The words 'prince', 'potential bride', 'marriage interview'… The words are unfamiliar, and they're chasing around my head like a wolf chasing chickens with their heads cut off…

Is this really happening?! As much as I want to spit as much venom in my voice and turn him down, but I have no choice, so I merely nod…

That evening, as promised, Zain returns that night with the maids. The girls helped me with my dress and my makeup, and I get into the car Zain has.

"The dress really suits you." He says to me, looking in the rearview mirror while I'm in the back.

"Thanks…" I say, with a hint of sarcasm.

If he's trying to help me relax, he's being as helpful as leeches on a dead person, but I can tell he's a nice guy. However, like yesterday, the dress is somewhat familiar. But on the other hand, what's gonna happen tonight…?!

"Where are we going?" I ask.

"I apologize for my lack of explanation," Zain says to me. "It's a place near Nobel Michel Castle."

"Good… We're not going all the way to DresVan Kingdom." I say with relief.

"Yes, Sieg is currently staying at Nobel Michel Castle to prepare for the Expo." Zain explains to me.

"What is the Expo, exactly?" I ask.

"The Nobel Expo is a great exhibition held by a group of the surrounding countries in order to deepen friendships and promote cultural exchange between them. This time, Sanct Sybil Kingdom and Shaharazal Kingdom will also be participating." Zain says.

That means Prince Ivan and Prince Aslan will be at the castle, as well.

"Organization of the event is entrusted to the princes of those kingdoms. The Princes are staying at Nobel Michel Castle for an extended period as they prepare." Zain explains.

"Really…" I say.

"Miss Carly, allow me to help you." Zain says.

"Thanks…" I say to him.

As we enter the restaurant, I see a slender man dressed similarly to Zain. Who is that guy?

"Hans, I've brought Miss Carly." Zain says.

"Thank you very much for taking Sieg up on his request," The other man, Hans, says, and then bows to Zain, before turning to me. His intense eyes are burning into mine… He bows to me. "It's a pleasure meet you, Miss Carly. My name is Hans, and I work as Sieg's butler. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Yes, I am, as well… I appreciate the invitation." I say, trying not to let his intensity get to me; I bow my head, too.

"Now, allow me to take you to Sieg." Hans says to me.

Immediately after hearing this, I go stiff in the back. Now I'm nervous…I steal a glance to Zain, and he gives me an encouraging smile.

"I hope you have a wonderful time." Zain says to me.

Oh, the chances of me having a good time with a prince like that? Try one in three trillion…

~Sieg's POV~

I'm shaking in my shoes while I'm sitting at the table, waiting for the flour girl from last night to show up. I still can't believe what I said to her last night. I totally put my foot in my mouth!

She was making such a determined face that night that we first met that I got curious. I was thinking that after the flour was delivered, that would be that, but I then saw her in the ballroom for some reason.

Either way, I'm thinking that it must be destiny that I could meet her again. Tonight, I need to compensate for my horrid words last night.

"Okay, Sieg, calm down, calm down…" I say to myself, trying to relax.

I down some champagne to try to help me loosen up, but it's not helping.

I have to be a gentleman tonight, or else I'll end up making an idiot out of myself again. She must think really ill of me right now.

"Sieg, Miss Carly is here." I hear my steward, Hans, say, and then I have him bring her in.

Once I see her… It was like something out of a fairytale. She was stunning.

~End of Sieg's POV~

"Sieg, Miss Carly is here." Hans says to the door.

"Yeah, come in." Sieg says, from the other side.

Here goes nothing… I feel my body get stiff and then I take a step into the room.

I walk into an elegant room, complete with red drapery, painting, and the best in interior design that money can buy; then again, he's royalty, so it's not that unexpected. I'm a little taken with the room, but then I look in another direction.

I see that Sieg is sitting at a table at the far end of the room; he was wearing a white suit with a blue and white striped necktie, a black handkerchief, and his shirt was grey. He seemed to be consuming some kind of alcoholic beverage. His hand is still on his glass, but he slowly turns his face to me.

"Eh…" I say, trying not to let my nervousness get to me. I feel drawn in by the elegance of his demeanor, and I feel my heart pounding. I subtly shake my head, trying to snap out of it.

Yesterday, I was really flustered; I didn't notice how handsome he really is. His features are sophisticated aura are definitely prince-like. He's starting back at me with his mouth slightly open.

"Your Highness…?" I ask, trying to get him to speak; I refuse to be informal with him.

"Well… I guess anyone can look good with the right clothes," Sieg says, catching me off-guard. "It's impossible to look dull when I hand-picked a dress that would flatter even the likes of you."

"Hu-What?!" I say, quite surprised.

What cruel words! I can't believe those are the first ones out of his mouth! I feel a wave of regret wash over me; I'm about to turn my back and leave, when…

"Don't just stand there, sit down. How long are you gonna keep me waiting?" Sieg asks me.

I'm on the verge of running my mouth in anger, but I know better, so I hold back and stomp towards the table. I drop myself into the seat Hans had pulled out for me.

"You're as assertive as ever. Are most of the common girls like this?" Sieg asks me.

I scoff before turning my face away from him. I can't stand the idea of being next to this guy. The food is soon brought out, and then I feel a little better about the situation.

I smile and my eyes light up at the presentation; they really went all out here. As I took a bite, the complex, and wonderful flavors are dancing in my mouth.

"This sauce is fabulous!" I say, after swallowing a bite of food.

I can tell they used a bit of fresh cream. I then crack a smile, being hit in the head by inspiration, and I end up forgetting my earlier annoyance. I end up thinking that this would be great research to use in my baking.

I end up becoming happier with myself, and I keep eating. However, I hear a laugh beside me.

"You look happy." Sieg tells me.

Snap, I forgot he was even here…

"Yes," I say. "The food here is really well-presented, and they're no slouch in the flavor department, either."

"Well, of course. This is a restaurant for the royal household." Sieg said.

"Yeah." I say.

"Your sort don't really get the chance to eat this kind of food," Sieg said. "So make the most of it."

"Oh, I will…" I say, with a hint of anger in my tone.

Okay, yes, he's right in that department, but that bluntness of his was uncalled for… I try not to snap back, and concentrate on the food.

However, a bone-in meat dish is brought out, and now I'm worried. How am I supposed to eat it? I can't bite into it; that's rude.

I look at the forks and knives, trying to look for a clue, but I get nothing, then I glance a glance towards Prince Sieg to see how he's handling this.

"Pfft." Sieg says to me.

"Excuse me?" I say, getting defensive; he's smothering his laugh with his hand.

"You're face… You're like a squirrel scavenging for nuts." Sieg says.

"S-Squirrel?! I'm not a rodent!" I snap back.

Sieg's turning around, and his shoulders are shaking. I have half a mind to go and turn him back to me.

"Sieg, shall I get you some water?" Hans asks Sieg, from nearby.

"Y-Yeah… Please." Sieg says, clearing his throat, and takes a sip of water; Hans poured it for him. He picks up the knife and fork, spearing the meat with the fork.

He then cuts along the bone.

"After you've cut it off the bone like this, dice it into bite-sized pieces." Sieg tells me.

I nod, my face redder than a red delicious apple.

"Try as you may, your manners pale compared to mine," Sieg says. "Bumpkins will always eat like bumpkins."

Why this little…! His words are so blunt that my stomach drops; I resist the urge to just throw my wine into my face.

My mood being ruined, I continue with my meal, feeling miserable, ashamed, and wanting to leave.

Once the time to leave this 'marriage interview' comes, I'm just very relieved. I let out a small sigh, and I'm really happy to go.

"Hey," I hear someone behind me, and I turn to see Sieg. "Hans will drive you. That okay?"

"Thanks…" I say, a little skeptical of his intentions; I start to spit venom in my sentences. "I'll be going now. See you never, Sieg."

I'm about to leave, when…

"Wait." Sieg says, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"What is it?" I ask, a little annoyed.

I can tell he wants to say something, because he can't make eye contact. What's gotten his skin in a bunch? I feel the warmth of his hand on my bare shoulder. He looks at me for a moment, but then he removes his hand.

"Nothing…" Sieg says. "It's nothing… Go home."

What?! He's the one who stopped me in my tracks here!

"No need to tell me twice!" I snap. "I'm leaving."

I then lift the hem of my dress, and walk towards Hans. What's with him; he was acting so weird! And he's a total jerk!

~Sieg's POV~

I blew it… Once again, I had put my foot in my mouth. I was trying to thank her for coming tonight, but all I did was just be cruel again.

I'm beginning to loathe this personality of mine. I don't know why, but she's just pulling me in with some kind of charm she has.

I then start thinking about something that I had recently seen with my childhood friends, Hayden and Oliver: a movie from Disney known as 'Frozen', and I remember one of the songs.

"I see your face… And it's nothing like I've ever known before! Love is an open door!" I remember those lyrics.

I think I relate to the song just the slightest bit. But… I don't know what's really happening right now.

~End of Sieg's POV~

Hans drives us through the streets at night, and I'm still steaming about Sieg. Who does that two-bit rich brat think he is?! Just because he's royalty doesn't mean he can compare me to rodents!

Hans looks at me in the rear view mirror and he keeps glancing at me every now and again.

"What's the problem?" I ask; better talking to Hans than his master…

"I'm sorry," Hans said. "I was wondering whether or not you enjoyed this evening's dinner…"

"Honestly… The food was fabulous." I say, refusing to bring up Sieg.

I think I hear a disappointed tone in Hans's sigh and says to me, "Sieg really enjoyed himself."

"Eh…?" I ask, in surprise.

"Forgive me," Hans tells me. "A butler shouldn't presume to speak of what his master is thinking. Please forget I said anything."

"Tch, fine…" I scoff, not pleased.

If Hans says that Sieg enjoyed himself, then means he found it enjoyable being a bully! What an ogre…

I soon make it home, and I'm still a little upset with the events over the course of the day; I'm tuckered out.

"Geez, I'm tired…" I say, falling onto the bed; I'm tired out, after the tension drains away.

I don't know what the heck today was about, but I hate how Sieg treated me; I felt like I was worthless, the way he spoke to me! If I ever meet him again, which to be fair, the chances of which are one in a trillion, I'm SO going to crush his ego like a cockroach!

"Marriage interview my foot!" I shout. "I'm sure he just wanted to laugh at a normal person like me…"

The next morning, my cell phone's ringtone wakes me up; I wake up in the morning, and then I leap out of bed in the next instant.

Crud! I've got work today! I lunge for my phone, and pick up; as I expected, it was my boss, Yosef.

"Yosef! I'm so sorry for oversleeping…" I say, about to freak out and try to defend myself.

"Don't worry, you still have time before work." Yosef tells me.

I look at the clock on the wall and I realize that I have about an hour and a half to spare; I sigh in relief and go back to talking to Yosef.

"Sorry to call you so early. It's just that it's an emergency…" Yosef says to me.

"An emergency?" I ask in reply.

Okay, emergencies in a bakery range from fires and the like to large orders on short notice, and from the circumstances of this call, it's the latter.

I dash into the kitchen from the back and then I say, "Yosef, what's the emergency?!"

I see Yosef, with bags of flour surrounding him, and I breathe in relief.

"Oh, we got the flour back! That's great!" I say in happiness.

"No, this isn't from Nobel Michel Castle," Yosef says to me. Say what? "This has been sent to us from DresVan Kingdom."

"D-DresVan Kingdom?!" I ask; I think I know what's going on here… I feel my heart skip a beat.

"Yeah, and the royal family at that!" Yosef says to me. "They want us to make a bunch of cakes with it by 3PM today."

Three in the afternoon?! Talk about a last-minute order…

"And they asked for you to deliver them to the castle personally." Yosef informs.

"Wha-huh?! Me?!" I say. I then groan in annoyance.

No matter how I look at it, this whole thing has Prince Sieg written all over it. But the question is, why is he doing this?! I don't know what his game is, but that royal brat of a jerk won't get away from me without a scathing tongue-lashing from me!

As I'm thinking this, Yosef asks me, "Carly, could you get started right away?"

"I'm on it, Yosef!" I say with a smile; fire is burning within me, and I'm ready to go!

Later…

"Miss Carly, good to see you." Hans says to me.

We finally get the cakes done and once I get to the castle, I see Hans waiting for me.

"Thanks for the order," I say, with a smile. "While large orders are always a pleasure for us, it was a bit of tall order because it was on short notice."

"I'm very sorry to hear that," Hans said. "But we needed you to deliver the cakes yourself…"

"Is there some kind of function going on?" I ask.

"Yes… Something like that." Hans said.

My gut is telling me something sketchy is going on, but I let it slide for the time being and listen to Hans.

"Well, could you take one of the cakes and follow me?" Hans asked.

Huh? Only one? My instincts are telling me something's up.

"Just one?" I ask, confused.

"Yes, the castle staff will unpack the rest." Hans says to me.

I'm still confused and the lights are still out in this matter; I follow Hans down the halls of the castle. It's like a maze in here.

Is it possible he wants me to serve it? My heart flutters at the idea of me getting a good reputation amongst the castle for my work, considering I helped out at the last party. Should that be the case, I'd be really happy.

"In here, please." Hans says to me, as he leads me to a door.

I'm anxious in the best way possible; as I enter the room, I'm expecting a large horde of people, but my expectations and hopes are dashed when I see who is really inside. Instead…

"EH!? S-Sieg?!" I say, quite surprised.

All I see is that the room is a wood-paneled office, and Prince Sieg is sitting at a desk in the center, all by himself.

"You're late. Are you incapable of responding to an order promptly?" Sieg asks me.

I'm shocked and upset; I look to Hans, and ask, "Were you lying to me when you told me this was an order for a party?! I don't take kindly to liars…"

"What? Is that what you told her, Hans?" Sieg asks.

"N-No, I…" Hans begins, stammering.

Prince Sieg glances at his watch, and then he says, "My break is at exactly three. Now, thanks to you, I'm late. Hurry up and bring me that cake."

"Your break's at three… You mean to tell me that this order was for your personal snack?!" I ask, quite appalled.

"Don't be stupid. I'm not a child who needs his afternoon snack," Prince Sieg says to me. "It's simply a requirement so I can perform my duties without a hitch."

"Eh…?!" I say, in shock.

What the heck is this royal brat thinking?! I'm stunned in my spot, shocked, and he gives me a smug stare.

I was clueless as to what fate had in store for me at that time…

"So the one person eating the cakes from this order will be you?!" I ask; Sieg watches me with a smirk, as I stand there.

"Don't just stand there like an idiot; hurry up and serve it." Sieg says to me.

"Fine…" I say, bitterly.

I'm fuming and annoyed, but I just slice up the cake; I serve it to him, and I make ready to leave. As much as I want to give him a thorough tongue-lashing, I can't.

"This is definitely your own work." Sieg says to me.

"Um, yes…" I say, trying to avoid his eyes.

Prince Sieg takes a bite of the cake before looking to Hans, and then Prince Sieg says, "Hans, get her a chair."

"Of course." Hans says.

"Hey, I can't stick around! I gotta go back; I'm going, anyway…" I say, about to make for the door, but…

"Who gave you permission to leave? You'll sit here and eat with me." Sieg says.

WHAT?!


Oh, no, now what?! Now what's going on?! This is going to get out of hand even though I didn't want to. Next time, it seems that Prince Sieg insists on dragging me along on different events, and I don't know what his deal is; whatever his problem is, he's got no right to give me grief.