A Slice of Royalty: A Love's Sweet Recipe Romantic Comedy

From tossing dough to juggling royal secrets—what happens when a prince tries to fit into small-town life?
Jules Spencer has one goal: help keep her family’s pizza parlor running smoothly, even on the craziest nights. But when a charming stranger shows up needing a job—and a crash course in pizza-making—she suddenly has more on her plate than just perfecting the sauce. Teaching someone to toss dough is much harder when he’s distractingly handsome… and spectacularly bad in the kitchen.

Nick Harris isn’t just any guy looking for a paycheck—he’s actually Prince Nicholas of Calvaria, hiding from royal duties and a future he’s not sure he wants. Small-town life was supposed to be simple. Falling for the warm-hearted woman showing him the ropes definitely wasn’t part of the plan.

As sparks fly and flour flies even more, Jules begins to suspect Nick is hiding something far bigger than a few questionable pizza skills. When his royal identity comes to light, she must decide if a romance filled with crowns, cameras, and expectations is worth the risk.

Can Jules create a love story worth savoring, or will her royal romance be as messy as an overloaded pizza?

I step into the cozy coffee shop, a bag slung over my shoulder, and the rich aroma of freshly ground beans greets my nostrils. It’s late morning, and already feels like a different world, one where I’m just a regular guy grabbing a cup of coffee, blending in with the crowd. It’s nice.
Calming, even.
Until I see the menu.
I approach the counter, my gaze scanning the massive, overly complicated list with growing horror. Since when did ordering a coffee require a PhD in linguistics? Some of these options are written in a language no one has spoken since medieval times. Back home, things were much simpler—more predictable. Tea, perhaps. Brewed simply, without the need for complex instructions.
Here, it’s an elaborate ritual. Foam this, whip that. Half-caf, extra-dry, upside-down…upside down? Is this a drink or a magic trick?
“How are you doing, young man?” a voice from behind the counter pulls me from my coffee-based existential crisis.
I blink at the barista, a middle-aged man with a friendly smile that borders on mischievous. Young man? I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that I’m not in Calvaria anymore, where everyone bows and curtsies as if their lives depend on it. Elmwood Falls, Maine feels like an entirely new universe—one where nobody cares that I wear a crown. And thank goodness for that.
“I’m doing quite well, thank you.” I force a smile. The sound of my voice is too formal, too…princely. I mentally kick myself. I’m ordering coffee, not hosting a diplomatic banquet. Relax, Nick. You’re supposed to be blending in, not offering everyone scones and monarchical advice.
The barista narrows his eyes at me, clearly trying to figure out why I sound like I just strolled out of Downton Abbey. “First time in Elmwood Falls, I take it? I don’t recognize you. And I know just about everyone.”
“Uh, yes, sir. Just got in, actually. Could you help me decide? What would you recommend?”
His grin widens, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. “Depends. You want something simple or something that’ll make you rethink your life choices?”
I chuckle. “Let’s make it easy. I’m still trying to remember what day it is.”
“Classic cappuccino it is,” he says.
“Sounds perfect,” I say, trying to appear confident and vaguely competent.
As he starts making the drink, I glance around the shop, taking in my surroundings. The place is cozy in that small-town way—exposed brick walls, mismatched chairs, and shelves overflowing with books and plants. A chalkboard menu displays an inspirational quote in the worst handwriting I’ve ever seen, and tiny fairy lights hang from the ceiling like twinkling stars. There’s a soft hum of conversation, and as more patrons walk in, they greet each other with the ease of people who’ve known one another for years.
That’s when I notice her.
Sitting at a corner table, a book in hand and a half-smile playing on her lips, is a woman with strawberry blonde hair that seems to catch the light in the most ridiculous, movie-perfect way. Seriously, it’s like nature’s spotlight just decided to shine right on her. She’s beautiful, but in that unassuming, “I-don’t-even-know-how-beautiful-I-am” kind of way. I’m immediately captivated.
“Here’s your cappuccino,” the barista says, forcing me back to reality.
I turn to take the cup and manage to knock it over with my elbow. The cup tips, and hot cappuccino splashes everywhere, including the front of my shirt. Of course.
“Oh no!” I yelp, grabbing napkins like I’m fighting a fire. “I’m so sorry!”
From the corner of my eye, I see the woman look up from her book, her lips twitching as if she’s trying really hard not to laugh. Wonderful. My first act in Elmwood Falls, and I’m already a walking disaster.
“Don’t worry about it,” the barista says, chuckling as he wipes the counter. “Happens to the best of us. I’ll make you another.”
“I’d appreciate that. Maybe with a spill-proof lid this time?” I manage a sheepish smile.
As I wait for my replacement drink, I steal another glance at the woman. She’s definitely noticed the spectacle that is me. This time, she’s looking right at me, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement. Oh, this is bad.
She stands and walks over, a playful glint in her eyes. “First time handling coffee?” she teases.
“Is it that obvious?” I laugh despite myself and hold out my hand. “I’m Nick, by the way.”
“Jules.” She shakes my hand with a firm grip. “Welcome to Elmwood Falls, Nick. I have a feeling you’re going to make things very interesting around here.”
“I’ll do my best,” I say, trying not to sound too flustered. Breathe, Nicholas. You’re a prince. This is just a girl. Not a dragon. She’s just a…say something!
I clear my throat. “Actually, I’m looking for a friend of mine, Jake Mitchell. Do you know him?”
She raises an eyebrow. “Jake? Yeah, sure do. Lives a few blocks from here. Head down Maple Street, take a left at the big oak tree, and look for the house with the red door and flower boxes. You’ll recognize it, trust me. And, if you hurry, you might even catch him before he heads out for work. Assuming, of course, you can avoid any more coffee-related incidents.”
I laugh, though I can feel the blush creeping up my neck. “I’ll do my best.”
She glances at the barista. “See you later, Arthur.”
“Don’t work too hard, young lady,” Arthur replies, with the kind of wink that suggests they’ve been exchanging banter for years.
“How much do I owe you for the drinks?” I ask him, ready to pay for my cappuccino and possibly for the emotional trauma I caused the coffee cup.
When he tells me the price, I raise an eyebrow. “That’s for both of them?”
“No, just the one,” he replies, smirking. “But if you’d like me to charge you for two, I’d be happy to oblige.”
With a laugh, I pull out my wallet. “I’ll take your kindness this time.”
“Accidents happen, young man. Welcome to our lovely town. If there’s anything I can do for you, my door’s open from eight to five.” He winks at me.
“I appreciate that.” I grab my cup and head for the door and replay Jules’s directions in my mind like a mantra: left at the big oak tree, red door, flower boxes. As I walk down Maple Street, I find myself grinning like an idiot, her teasing smile lingering in my thoughts.
Soon enough, I spot the oak tree and take a left. A few houses down, I see the red door and the flower boxes. This must be it. Taking a deep breath, I go up the walkway to knock.
A few moments later, the door swings open, and a young guy, maybe a few years younger than me, stands there, blinking. His tousled dark hair suggests he just rolled out of bed, and he’s dressed in flannel and jeans.
“Can I help you?” He squints at me, his gaze zeroing in on the massive stain I’m now sporting.
“Hi, I’m Nick. I’m looking for Jake Mitchell?”
“Yes, I’m…” The fog of sleep clears from his eyes, and his face lights up with realization. “Prince Nicholas! Right. Come on in.” He ushers me inside, taking a quick look around the street, then shuts the door behind him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. Forgive me, I should have dressed more appropriately. I had a late night.”
“Jake, relax.” I wave off his panic. “And after what just happened to me in the coffee shop, I’m in no position to judge anyone’s morning routine.”
“What happened?” He leads me into the living room, which is as cozy and mismatched as the coffee shop.
“Let’s just say I’m not cut out for barista work.” With a grin, I recount my cappuccino catastrophe. Jake’s laugh is instant, and he shakes his head in disbelief.
“Man, I would have paid to see that. Welcome to Elmwood Falls, Your Highness.”
“Just Nick,” I remind him.
“I’ll show you to your room. It’s not much, I’ve got to warn you.”
“I’m sure it’ll be quite all right. You don’t know how much I appreciate you allowing me to crowd your personal space like this. If I must, I can always find myself a temporary home.”
“No need.” Jake stops at a room and gestures inside. “When my mom called and said that an old friend of hers from Calvaria contacted her and actually said the queen requested help in getting you settled in town for a couple of months, I jumped at the chance. Not every day you get to be around royalty. I’m honored to have you here, Prince Nicholas.”
“Nick,” I correct with a smile as I step inside and scan the room.
It’s small and simple, a far cry from the opulent suites I grew up in. A plain brown bedspread covers a modest twin bed, and the walls are painted a soft, faded blue. There’s a single wooden dresser against one wall, its surface cluttered with various knick-knacks and a few stray socks. A tiny window lets in a sliver of daylight.
“And the honor belongs to me, Jake.”
“It’s not exactly Calvaria Castle, but it’s got character. And it’s all yours.”
I drop my bag on the bed, and the mattress sags dramatically under its weight.
“Honestly, I could get used to this.” I plop down, feeling the bed wobble beneath me. “No staff, no royal obligations, just…life. I think I like it here already.”
Jake grins, leaning against the doorframe. “Oh, you’re gonna love it. Trust me. And don’t worry about blending in. The town’s pretty laid-back. I promise not to say ‘Your Highness’ around anyone. Your royal secret’s safe with me.” He crosses his heart.
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” I give him a genuine smile. “I’m looking forward to experiencing normal life for a change.”
“How’d you get here, anyway? You walk all the way from Calvaria?”
I laugh, tilting my head back. “No, I took a bus.”
His eyes widen, so cartoonishly large it reminds me of the characters my siblings and I used to watch when we were kids. He leans forward, lowering his voice like he’s onto a scandal. “You took the bus? Don’t you have a royal jet or something?”
“Not exactly blending in if I land in a private jet, is it?” I wink at him.
“Guess that’s true, man.” He shakes his head. “I think it’s awesome being royalty. You can do anything you want.”
“That’s not exactly true.” I look at him, hoping the true amount of irritation I’m feeling isn’t too evident. “There’s responsibility, pressure to marry a woman you don’t wish to marry simply because my father wants to ensure I have a queen when he passes.”
“I take it there’s a woman in mind?”
Slowly, I nod. “Duchess Catherine of Belvoir. My father was so excited that she was coming into Calvaria in a few days. But after her million-dollar breakup bash with Duke Thomas, I don’t wish to fall into that trap again. Not that I don’t hold Catherine in such a high regard, mind you. She and I merely aren’t suited for one another.”
“Oh, right, I read about that in the tabloids.” Jake tsks. “Guess King Edward probably isn’t too happy you’re on the lam.”
I laugh. “No, he’s not. But the queen managed to convince him it’ll be good for me.”
“Well, let me tell you.” Jake walks up, clasping a hand on my shoulder. “This town does a lot of good for people. You’ll see.”
“I imagine you’re right. And I think this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Standing, I extend my hand, and he clasps it.
“I hope you’re right, man. Oh, and I hope you like cats. My Oreo is around here somewhere. He’s a little skittish at first, but give him time to warm up to you, he’ll love you.”
“I love all sorts of animals,” I say.
“Good. Okay, so anything you need, just let me know.”
“Actually, there is one thing to complete my cover. And I suppose to complete the whole living a normal life experience. I need a job.”