“I don't think you'll like anything in here, cat.” I stroked its head.
“I'm sure we could get some cream for it.” Kaspian scratched its head, then frowned when the cat moved closer to me.
“Cream is bad for cats. At least cats on Earth. They're lactose intolerant.”
“They're intolerant of what?”
“There's something called lactose in dairy products, and cats don't do well with it.” I leaned in to whisper, “They get the squirts.”
“They get the what?!”
“You know—diarrhea. The—”
“Don't say that again,” he cut me off.
I chuckled. “Well, it's not good.”
“No, and you make it even worse.”
“I have savory items as well.” The baker came up to our table with a tray full of plates and two steaming teacups. He unloaded the cups first, then the plates, and set one of them down on the floor. “For the royal kitty.”
Kaspian grinned. “Thank you. He's not ours. He's just been following us around.”
“Ah, but cats are smart, aren't they? We don't claim them. They claim us.” The little man stroked the cat's head.
The animal purred for the baker as if in approval of his wisdom, then set into the selection of cooked meat on the plate.
“I've heard that,” I said. “On my planet, they're the only animal who domesticated themselves.”
The baker laughed as he straightened. “I believe that. They come and go as they please, but they know the value of a free meal and a warm bed.” He waved at the plates. “Please, enjoy. If there's anything you want more of, let me know.”
“Thank you!” I looked at the assortment. “What do you recommend that I start with?”
“Ah. Always start with the sweet!” He pointed at a slice of cake. “The pecarin cake is my favorite. Finish with one of these savories.” He pointed out three pastries. “Then you won't be left wanting more.”
“Oh? Is that the trick of it?” Kaspian lifted a brow.
“Yes, Sire. Sweets awaken the palate and induce cravings while savory food satisfies.” He winked.
“He's right!” I waved a finger at the cake as if it were naughty. “If I eat a piece of chocolate, it leaves me wanting more. But eating bacon won't give me the same urges. In fact, I'll eventually feel sick if I eat too much bacon.”
“And it works both ways,” the baker said. “If you want to eat more, start with the savory. Although, the problem with that is you'll feel full while you continue to want more. No one likes that.” He bowed and went back to his pastry cases where customers were waiting.
“That explains why I'm never satisfied after consuming you,” Kaspian whispered to me.
“Did you just call me sweet in the naughtiest way possible?” I nuzzled his face.
Kas leaned back to meet my stare. “He said it, not me. I merely came to a conclusion,my sweet.”
“Oh, don't blame it on the baker. Not when I'm trying to give you credit for being the real sweet one in our relationship. Which is astounding considering who you are.” I shook my head. “But I love it. Keep it up, Your Majesty. Compliments will get you everywhere.” I picked up a fork, waved it at him like a wand, and then took a bite of the pecarin cake. “Oh! Peaches! This tastes like peaches.”
“I'm sure you'll find many similar flavors here. Although, I've never encountered anything like that cookie at your favorite bakery.”
“Miso,” I said. “It's from Japan. You know, the Neraky look Asian to me. A little. I mean, if you ignore the eye membranes and the scales. Oh, and the claws.”
“And the fact that they'reNeraky.”
“Ha-ha.” I sighed and stared down at my cake. “I guess I'm trying to find pieces of home here. But that's silly. This isn't Earth.” I looked up at him. “I've never been to Japan. Or anywhere in Asia. There are so many places on Earth that I didn't get to see.”
