Efren, the previous day
Efren mentally crossed his fingers and breathed in the aromatic scent of freshly baked breads as he approached Honey’d Dreams, a bakery and sweets shop in Zioneven’s capital city’s high street.
The street bustled with activity as people strode down the walkway, pausing now and then at vendors hawking their wares along the street. Bells jingled as shop doors opened and closed.
He could have sent a servant on this errand, but he enjoyed getting out amongst the people he served as their crown prince. The better to keep a finger on the pulse of the realm. What worked, what should possibly change.
When Efren had asked Marcelo what he would miss from his life in Sheburat, he had first mentioned his family, of course. It was the proper thing to say. But when pressed, he’d spoken of a particular confection made at Sweets and Such, a candymaker’s shop in Sheburat’s capital city. The shopkeeper guarded his recipe as if he were the realm’s alchemist protecting the secret formula to a proprietary toxin.
Point being, Marcelo’d thought he’d had his last taste of Mr. Tolly’s Nutter Buzzers. Or at best, that it would be a very rare treat when one of the royal families visited the other.
But he’d underestimated Efren’s desire to please his young husband. Distance be damned, Efren would pay the premium price for the occasional special order to bring an extra gleam of joy to Marcelo’s beautiful blue eyes.
Would that special order be in today?
If not, Efren’s efforts to give Marcelo this surprise treat might be wasted, because tomorrow they would be embarking on a tour of the realm, introducing Marcelo to both more of the people and the varied lands of Zioneven. Perhaps the confections could be kept chilled until their return if they’d not yet arrived.
“Good morning, Mr. Othes.” Efren added a bright smile to his greeting, but his hopes dropped at the sight of Mr. Othes’ uncharacteristically glum face.
Mr. Othes mopped his brow before replying. “Your Royal Highness. Good morning. I’m—” he cleared his throat “—pleased to report your order arrived early this morning.”
“Thank you.” Still, Efren’s smile dimmed. “Are you well, Mr. Othes? Are your wife and daughter still away? May I summon the apothecary for you?”
Mr. Othes gulped. “My apologies, sir. Yes, they are not yet returned from visiting my wife’s family in Sheburat.” His cheek twitched, and he paused before murmuring, “I miss them. That is all it is. No need to summon Mr. Rawlin on my behalf, though I thank you for the kind thought.”
“Ah.” Efren nodded. Despite being fully an adult for several years now, he’d missed the support of his family on his long journey to Sheburat less than two moon cycles ago when he’d thought he was traveling toward a loveless marriage. Now, it was his husband he would long for if they were apart. “I can understand feeling down when away from family. When should they arrive home?”
“Yesterday, sir.” Mr. Othes’ chin rose a notch, and he drew in a deep breath in a seemingly conscious effort to compose himself as he reached below the counter and brought out Efren’s package. “They were delayed. I hope to see…I expect them home in a few days’ time.”
“I wish them a safe journey.” Efren refreshed his smile when Mr. Othes opened the box with a flourish and displayed the contents of twenty perfectly round balls coated in crushed nuts. “Mmm, they appear as delicious as Prince Marcelo described. Thank you for coordinating this purchase for me.”
“My pleasure, sir.”
“Just loosely wrapped, please.” Efren would have liked to have the confections properly gift wrapped, but they were a food product, and he would have to give one to the royal food taster before presenting the balance to Marcelo.
Mr. Othes briskly concluded their business, and Efren soon found himself riding home to Zioneven castle.