“An honorable slice,” Sawyer said, amused as he looked at his plate. He then took a bite and paused.
“Oh no. Do you hate it?” I asked. “Too sweet? Not sweet enough? Dry?”
“On the contrary. It’s wonderful.” Sawyer dabbed at his mouth with a folded napkin. Damn, he even madethatlook princely and elegant. “I’ve tasted the finest desserts from all across the kingdom, but this is truly on a different level, Evan.”
“Now Prince Sawyer sees why Kuya loves it.” Kuya picked at the crumbs on the cake platter—all that was left of his attack on it. “Evan’s cake makes Kuya’s tummy happy.”
“May I try one of the cookies next?” Sawyer asked.
“You’re welcome to anything you want. I brought them for you.”
The prince smiled and grabbed a lemon cookie. “Sir Noah?”
“Yes, Your Highness?” Noah stepped forward.
“Evan tells me sugar cookies are your favorite. Please help yourself to one.”
Noah hesitated for only a moment before bowing his head and grabbing one from the platter. As he returned to his position against the wall and took a bite, his eyes softened.
“Absolutely delicious,” Sawyer said after finishing the lemon cookie.
“I’m glad you think so.” I fidgeted in my seat. Compliments made me awkward. “Anytime you want more, just let me know. I can ask Briar to deliver some to you when he comes to work in the morning. I’d say Maddox could too, but Callum and the knights would have the platter plucked clean in seconds, like a swarm of hungry piranhas, before he even reached the castle.”
Sawyer laughed. “The knights are all that stand between us and the demons of the dark wood. They risk their lives for this kingdom. If they wish to eat all the cookies, I have no problem letting them.”
When I thought about Callum, Quincy, Duke, and all the knights I adored risking their lives, waves of worry and dread rolled through me. I wanted them safe. I couldn’t imagine something bad happening to any of them.
Especially not to my captain.
“I suppose we should discuss business now,” Sawyer then said.
“Business?”
“I invited you to lunch partly because I missed you,” he responded. “It’s been too long since we’ve visited. However, that’s not the only reason. I’m not sure if you recall, but when you first told me of your plan to open the café, I spoke to my father about it. He was very excited and believed your café would be an asset to Bremloc.”
“I remember.” How could I forget? Being praised by the king, even a little, was a huge freaking deal. “You also mentioned he wanted to meet with me.” Also, memorable. My anxiety amped up each time I recalled that not so insignificant detail.
Sawyer nodded. “Certain matters have kept him busy and unable to schedule that meeting, but I feel it will happen soon. In the days since the grand opening, your café has generated quite the buzz around the kingdom. Word has even spread as far as Exalos.” The city south of Bremloc.
“Really?”
“Yes. The king requested that I meet with you to discuss a proposal.”
“What kind of proposal?”
“Every autumn, a ball is held here at the capital,” he explained. “Royals and nobles from all across the land attend. Although it’s not for another month or so, arrangements are already being made in preparation. Much goes into one of these events. Invitations, décor, costume planning, music, and food.”
“Wow.” Visions of a lavish ball played through my mind. I imagined women in beautiful gowns and men in flashy outfits, handsome and elegant. “An autumn ball. That sounds so freaking cool. I wish I could go to one someday.”
Sawyer stared at me, a ghost of a smile on his lips.
“What?” I asked.
“Silly Evan.” Kuya pulled his legs up into his chair and sat crisscross. “Oblivious and so, so silly.”
“Why am I silly and oblivious?” I looked between him and Sawyer. “What did I miss?”
Sawyer’s smile fully formed. “As I said, people are praising your coffee and baked goods from here to Exalos. After hearing the buzz surrounding your café, my father recommended I meet with you and sample some of your sweets for myself. If satisfied, he asked that I arrange for you to provide desserts and refreshments for the ball.”
