“Word of your café has spread to many villages, towns, and cities outside the capital,” Walter said before taking another sip. “Even more so following the autumn ball. I was in attendance, as I’m sure you recall, and sampled one of your pumpkin cakes. I’ve never tasted something so exquisite in all my years.”
Yeah, I didn’t remember him whatsoever, but I smiled and pretended that I did. I had catered the ball, providing drinks and pastries to the guests. Afterward, my business skyrocketed. It had been nonstop ever since.
“Which brings me to the purpose of my visit,” he continued. “I believe an establishment such as yours is too great and prosperous to remain in only one place. More people should have the opportunity to experience it. Therefore, it’s my honor to offer you the privilege of opening a second location in Exalos.”
I could only stare at him at first. Having one café was already a dream come true. Having two? It took my brain time to process.
“Mr. Clark?”
“Uh, yes. Sorry.” I cleared my throat. “You want me to open a café in Exalos? Am I understanding that right?”
“Indeed, you are.” Walter grabbed a thin cookie from the platter and bit into it, sprinkling crumbs down the front of his suit.
“How would it work? Would I need to move to Exalos?”
“Oh, not at all.” Another bite. More crumbs. The mess didn’t faze him at all. “In short, you’d only need to travel to Exalos for a brief time to ensure all is to your standards. A week or two at most, give or take a few days.”
“Well, that doesn’t sound too bad.” Nerves jumbled inside me. But so did excitement.
“The building has already been chosen for the café,” he continued. “Quite the ideal location as well, right in the heart of the city. You’ll have full control over the inner workings of the establishment, such as recipes, overseeing staff, et cetera.” He flicked his hand, showering the chair and floor with more cookie crumbs. “We can discuss your percentage of profit as well, of course.”
My cut of the money didn’t matter to me. I made more than enough from my café. It was everything else involved that gave me pause. Was it smart to leave Bremloc right now? A war was—maybe—on the horizon. Before making a decision, I first wanted to talk to my men.
“Thank you for the generous offer, Lord Mayor,” I finally responded. “I’m definitely interested, but can I have some time to think about it?”
“Certainly.” Walter smoothed a hand down the front of his suit and stood. “I’m staying at the Crown’s Inn in town square for the next three days on business. Think over the proposal, and find me there when you’ve made your decision.”
“Sounds good, sir.”
Percival rushed over to clean the crumbs before brushing off Walter’s vest and jacket. As the two of them left the room, I sat back down and took a moment to process.
A second café. In Exalos, of all places. It felt like fate. I had wanted to know more about my mom, and then Walter showed up with an offer that would take me to the place I could feel close to her. To the streets she’d walked and land she’d once called home.
I stood from the chair and approached the window. More dark clouds had rolled in. They looked angry. My gut coiled. I hated storms. My fear of thunder was irrational, but I couldn’t help it.
“Did Evan bring Kuya any of his yummy cakes?” a familiar voice rang from behind me. I didn’t even have time to properly turn around before something slammed into my back. A slam that was followed by a hard nuzzle to my shoulder blade. “Evan is snuggly and warm in this sweater.”
“You can thank Briar. He gave it to me.” I shifted around to look at my cat-boy bestie. “And of course, I brought yummy cakes. Who do you think I am?”
A journey to the castle meant I’d potentially see several of my favorite people: my band of silly and lovable knights, guards who’d warmed up to me in recent months, and my close friends like Kuya and Prince Sawyer. So I had come prepared. Though, the basket was a lot lighter than it’d been when I’d left the cottage, thanks to Maddox and his muffin-thieving tendencies.
Kuya’s rainbow eyes sparkled as they found the basket I’d placed on the side table. Me and my snuggly sweater were all but forgotten as he dove toward it and tore open the lid, finding the strawberry cupcakes I’d packed just for him.
Sir Noah stood in the doorway, stone-faced as usual. His black hair had been trimmed since I’d last seen him, cut shorter on the sides. He was Prince Sawyer’s personal knight but oftenescorted Kuya around the kingdom instead, obeying the request of his prince. That request being to keep Kuya safe and happy.
“Morning,” I greeted him. “Well, I guess it’s close to afternoon now.”
He merely nodded to me. Like Maddox, Noah rarely showed much emotion, especially when on duty. His black cloak was held together by a decorative silver clasp, and instead of armor, he wore a pristine uniform, leaving little doubt as to the high rank he held.
“Are you hungry?” I asked. “I packed some sugar cookies. Your favorite.”
“No, thank you.”
Kuya rolled his eyes. “Sir Noah is so grumpy and boring. Boring because he denies himself yummy treats.” Strawberry frosting was smeared around his lips, becoming even worse as he devoured a third cupcake. “When Kuya heard his Evan was at the castle, Kuya had to come see him.”
“I’m glad you did.” Amazing how one person could chase away the storm clouds. Figurately. Because it was even darker outside now. “How’s Prince Sawyer doing? We’ve written to each other, but I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“He’s well,” Sir Noah answered. “His studies have kept him busy.”
