Lady Clementine Hanford stands behind the counter, flour smeared across her cheek and a dusty apron tied around her waist. “Genny!” she exclaims. “What a wonderful surprise! You escaped the palace at last.”
I feel Leland tense beside me, likely surprised by her casual greeting toward the crown princess. But Clementine is one of my oldest and dearest friends. We’ve never followed societal norms—nor would we now that she is a duchess.
“Clemmy, you know I’d be here every day if I could,” I say as she comes around the counter and embraces me, careful to avoid the bare skin on my arms. She’s a redblood and has no gift herself, but she understands the customs bluebloods follow and the caution many of us practice.
“Lady Clementine, I want you to meet my fiancé, Prince Leland Frostclaw of Icelantica.”
Clemmy curtsies. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Prince Leland.”
Leland bows, taking her hand. “The pleasure is mine, Lady Clementine.” He doesn’t seem surprised that my dear friend is a shopkeeper covered in flour, and he treats her no differently than my sisters.
“Please, everyone calls me Clemmy. I wasn’t born an aristocrat—that would be my husband, Lord Griffin Hanford. How I ended up married to a duke is still a surprise to me!”
My friend’s marriage to my cousin is still new. It was a scandalous rise in power on her part, something much of the court still hasn’t adjusted to. Especially since Griffin was considered quite the catch amongst the blueblood ladies.
Leland smiles, not missing a beat. “You make a marvelous duchess.”
“I still don’t know how you convinced Griffin to let you work in The Wild Rose each day,” I add. I wasn’t sure Clemmy would take on the role of duchess so easily, but she and Griffin seem to have found a balance and mutual respect.
“Well, he had no choice if he wanted to marry me, like he so desperately hoped. The Wild Rose is a part of me, just as it was a part of my mother and grandmother.” Her tone is so matter-of-fact that it catches me off guard. I think about my own curse, about the burden of becoming queen. Those things are a part of me too, but will Leland learn to accept them?
“Lord Griffin is a good man,” I say, happy for the love my dear friend found.
“Enough about me, take a seat and let me get you some refreshments.” Clemmy bustles off like a wild wind, pulling out chairs for us at an intimate table toward the back of the shop. Its white lace tablecloth and porcelain place settings are pretty with understated grace. I always love the attention to detail Clemmy gives every part of her business, and I’m proud to see my friend find success, love, and happiness.
We sit, and Clemmy leaves us as she whisks away to the kitchen. I can hear her talking and wonder if her mother is back there, or perhaps the new shop girl helping today.
“She’s lovely,” Leland murmurs, looking around as he takes in the space. “And I can see why you enjoy visiting The Wild Rose. Is there anything in particular I should order?”
“Oh, I don’t think you’ll be given much of a choice. Clemmy usually decides for us when I visit. She’s always trying to stuff me full of her latest creations.”
“Ah, well, have I told you that I have a weakness for sweets?”
“Is that so, Prince Leland? Tell me—is that your hobby? Are you secretly a baker? Or merely a connoisseur of baked goods?”
“Unfortunately, I’ve never baked a thing in my life, so no, that isn’t my secret hobby. But I will admit to having impeccable taste when it comes to pastries. One of the best palates on the continent, in fact.”
“Then you’re in for a treat,” Clemmy calls from behind the counter, clearly eavesdropping, before she sets four plates on the table. Each is laden with delicate pastries—one filled with cream, another a cinnamon roll dripping with thick white frosting.
“You’ve outdone yourself this time,” I say, choosing the cream-filled pastry.
“Not at all. These are simply what remained after the morning rush. Prince Leland, do you have a preference in tea?”
“Anything strong will do. We had quite the night last night.”
“Didn’t we all?” Clemmy replies with a grin. “I was there—and very disappointed I didn’t get more time with you, Genny. What kind of friend are you?”
“You know I’d have run to your side if it weren’t for my duties.” The truth is, I was completely distracted after meeting Mr. Blackwell before the first dance and trying to focus on the engagement announcement.
She laughs, patting the flour from her apron. “Don’t worry, I was far too occupied with my gorgeous husband to notice you snubbing me.”
Of course she was. Even after a year, the two only have eyes for each other. I hope their devotion never fades. Clemmy deserves it.
“Regardless, I should have made an effort,” I murmur, and she shrugs, her black curls bouncing with the movement.
“I’ll brew your tea and let the two of you become better acquainted.”
Leland bites into a raspberry-topped confection. Cream smears across his bottom lip, and his tongue darts out. He lets out a small moan before bringing his attention back to me. “Based on my superior palette, I can say with unquestionable assurance that this is one of themost exquisite things I’ve had the honor of tasting,” he remarks with a chuckle.
