“Correct.” He glanced down at me. “And with tensions so high in the kingdom, safety of the royal family is of the upmost importance.”
I recalled the conversation from my café between the two men. Politics went over my head, but one thing I did know? War brought out the worst in people. The fear of war did too.
“You three.” A guard approached us and removed his helmet. “Why is the boy here?”
“August.” I’d recognize that snarling face anywhere.
“He’s providing the dessert for tonight’s feast,” Finnian told him. “Now cease with that snarl. Evan here is a friend.”
“A nuisance is more like it,” August said.
“Why, Augie. Enough of that. Did the kitchen run out of your favorite blackberry jam again? Is that the cause of your sour mood?”
Augie? I pressed my lips together to keep from smiling. It was cute.
“Enough of that silly pet name.” August glared at the other guard before his dark eyes returned to me. “Carry on.”
He stormed down the hall and barked orders at two guards outside another set of doors who were slouching against the wall.
“Take no offense,” Finnian told me. “He’s all bark and no bite. The man has a soft side for you.”
“He does?” I asked, shocked. “But he hates me. He’s threatened to string me up by my ankles and gag me more times than I can count. He even said my cookies were too crumbly.”
Ban grunted.
“I know, right?” I lightly patted Ban’s forearm. “The audacity. Insult me, fine, but leave my sweets alone. Those cookies were perfectly soft and not crumby at all, thank you very much.”
The mountain of a guard made another rough sound. Somehow, I knew he was agreeing with me.
Finnian looked at Ban before moving his eyes to me. “You are more loved than you realize, young Evan. Even by those you’d least expect.”
And with that, we continued toward the kitchen.
Chapter Eleven
A Family Reunion
“You’re amazing, Miles,” I said, admiring his work.
The two-tiered spice cake was simple, yet elegant, in design with delicate piping and chocolate shavings that resembled tree bark. Cream cheese frosting filled the layers, adding a nice tanginess to balance the flavors of cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg. The décor screamed woodsy winter, and I loved it.
“Thank you, mister Evan.” A flush darkened his cheeks. “We make quite the pair.”
“Hell yeah. Best duo ever.” I stuck out my fist for a bump.
Miles tilted his head. “Do you intend to hit me?”
“What? No.” I snorted and grabbed his hand, forming it into a fist. It was like holding a baseball mitt. The dude was freaking massive. “Like this.” I then bumped our knuckles together. “Friends do it for like a job well done or when they’re excited.”
“I see.” His smile returned. “I like it.”
I stepped over to the counter to add the finishing touches on the vanilla petit fours. We’d kept the menu simple but packed with flavor. The coffee had notes of brown sugar; perfect for drinking black or with cream. It would pair great with the cake.
“Thanks for coming on short notice,” I told him. “The café was busy today. I’m sure you’re tired.”
“Oh, it’s no bother at all.” The rounded bear ears jutting from his brown hair wiggled. “Making dessert for the king and his family is a great honor.”
Rose swept into the kitchen, looking perfectly calm and collected. Feeding the royal family was nothing new for her. Justanother day. “Hello, boys. It smells divine in here. The main course is finished. How are dessert preparations?”
