The guard chuckled, warm and friendly. “I can see that. He looks like he had fun.”
“So much fun. The kitchen looks like a disaster zone.”
We were both grinning when I felt it. That prickle of awareness that meant Mal was nearby.
I turned to find him standing at the end of the corridor, watching us with an expression I knew too well.
Oh no.
“I hope I am not interrupting,” Mal said, his voice pleasant but with an edge that made the guard take a small step back.
“Not at all. We were just-”
“I can see what you were doing.”
“Delivering cookies?” I said slowly, confused about why his jaw was so tight.
“Yes. Cookies. To guards.”
I sighed when I realizedwhyhe was being an ass. “Oh my god. Notagain.”
The guard was backing away. “I should go. Thank you for the cookies, Your Majesty.”
“Excellent idea,” Mal said.
The guard practically fled, I rolled my eyes as I turned to my very dumbass mate.
“Mal-” I started.
“Iwant to eat your cookies.”
I blinked. “What?”
“Your cookies. HE was eating them. They should be all for me.”
“My cookies,” I repeated, biting my lip harder to keep from losing it.
“Yes. I want to eat your cookie. Your hard work. Not him. I should be the one eating your cookie.”
I couldn’t hold it in anymore and started cracking up so hard I had to lean against the wall.
“Why are you laughing?” Mal looked genuinely confused.
“I’m sorry to tell you this,” I chuckled, “But half the guards just ate my cookie. It was a very pleasant experience, would definitely do it again.”
Tears slipped from how hard I was laughing. Gods, it sounded incredible, and he had no damn clue.
“That many?!” He grunted, “You baked for all of them?!”
I rolled my eyes. “Killian helped, yes. But don’t worry. My most delicious cookie is all yours, and will always be.”
He looked at the basked in confusion. “Is it there? I’m kind of hungry.”
“I am too. Can I have more cookies?” Killian asked, oblivious to whatever weird energy was happening between his parents.
“Yes,” I managed through my laughter. “Let’s go give some to Grandma!”
“That is not what I-” Mal started.
