“Where to first?” I asked.
“Torin!” Killian said. “Torin gets TWO scary monsters!”
We found Torin in the guard quarters, going over rotation schedules with a few other guards. He looked up when we entered, and his expression softened when he saw Killian.
“Young prince,” he said, standing. “Your Majesty.”
“We made cookies!” Killian announced, holding up his tray with pride. “This one is a SCARY MONSTER!”
Torin crouched down to Killian’s level, examining the blob-shaped cookie with appropriate seriousness. “Oh no. I am terrified.”
“You should be! It’s SUPER scary!”
“The scariest cookie I have ever seen.” Torin’s voice was grave, but his eyes were twinkling.
Killian beamed. “You get TWO because you’re the BES guard!”
“I am blessed.” Torin took the cookies, and when he glanced up at me, his eyes were suspiciously bright. “Your Majesty, you did not have to-”
“You protected my son,” I said firmly. “You didn’t hesitate. You were right there, fighting immediately. This is the least I can do. I wanted to show you all how much I appreciate all your hard work.”
“It was my honor.”
I hugged him, which surprised us both. “Thank you. Truly.”
He hugged me back after a moment of shock. “Always, my queen.”
We made our way through the castle, delivering cookies to everyone who’d helped during the attack. The guards who’d fought off the assassins, the maids who’d comforted Killian afterward, the healers who’d checked on Sorcha. Everyone got cookies, and everyone got to hear about Killian’s scary monsters.
“They’re SO scary!” one guard said, playing along. “I might have nightmares!”
Killian was delighted every single time.
One of the maids approached me hesitantly while Killian was demonstrating proper scary monster technique to a guard. “Your Majesty, if I might have a moment?”
“Of course. What is it?”
“It’s my sister. She works in the laundry, and she’s been having trouble with her hands. Arthritis, the healer says. She’s worried about losing her position.”
“What’s her name?”
“Elsa, Your Majesty.”
“I’ll speak with her and the healer tomorrow. We’ll find a solution. Maybe a different position, or treatment that might help.”
The maid’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Of course. Come find me if there are any other concerns.”
We reached our last delivery. A guard stationed near the western corridor. He was young, maybe mid-twenties, with friendly eyes and a warm expression.
“Your Majesty,” he said, bowing. “To what do I owe the honor?”
“We’re thanking everyone who helped during the attack,” I explained, offering him the plate. “You were one of the first to respond.”
“This is very kind, Your Majesty.” He took a cookie. “The young prince helped make them?”
“Oh yes. He helped a LOT.” I gestured at Killian, who was covered head to toe in flour and chocolate.
