Lake’s fluffy ears perked up at the mention of his name, and he turned from the flower cart a few feet away. He’d been admiring the roses. “Boar with a sweet glaze. Maple, I think.”
“Um, excuse me,” I called out, approaching the stand. Maddox and Callum followed close behind me. “How much for a skewer?”
“What do ya have to offer?” The seller crossed his muscled arms and looked me up and down. He had skin like red lava rock, orange eyes, and two large, ram-like horns that curved under and outward.
I thought for a moment, then remembered the basket I’d brought and opened the lid. “Oh! What about this?”
“A muffin?” the demon asked.
“Yep. Banana flavored.”
He regarded the muffin with interest. “Deal. One boar skewer for one of those.”
We exchanged goods, and I handed the meat to Quincy. “Here you are, good sir.”
The scar on his face crinkled as he grinned and accepted it. “Gratitude, little prince.”
Curious, I glanced back at the seller as he took a bite of the muffin. He paused in his chewing, eyes widening, before takinganother larger bite. I smiled. Very few things in life compared to the joy I felt knowing someone enjoyed something I made; that one of my baked goods brought them even a sliver of happiness.
“How is it?” Baden asked, watching Quincy devour the skewer of meat.
“Think of the juiciest, most tender boar you’ve ever eaten,” Quincy said with his mouthful and groaned. “Much like that, only better.”
The ram-like demon beamed at the compliment. Seemed like he felt the same as I did about people enjoying his food.
Duke and Baden looked at me, at the food stand, then back to me. They reminded me of puppies begging for scraps. I laughed and walked back over, asking if the seller was interested in making another trade. He made me a counteroffer, saying he’d give a skewer to each person in our group if I gave him the remaining muffins in the basket.
“Are you sure?” I asked, opening the lid. “There are only four muffins left. That’s not fair for you.”
“I’m certain,” he responded, wiping at the crumbs on his lips. “In all my years, I’ve not tasted anything like those. I’d say it’s more than a fair trade.”
Did his reaction have anything to do with my saintly powers enhancing the flavor of everything I made?
“Okay. Only if you’re sure.” I handed over the basket. Everyone was happy about the arrangement apart from Maddox, who stared longingly at the muffins. I looped my arm through his. “Stop pouting. I’ll make another batch just for you once we return to the castle.”
That cheered him up. My sexy glutton.
I thanked the seller again before our group continued through the market. The farther we went, the more amazed they were. Before my first visit, I’d imagined a place full of demons selling poisons and weapons, like those scary markets from darkfantasy movies. But that wasn’t true at all. It was peaceful and far from ominous.
“There are so many demi-humans here,” Briar pointed out. “Falcons, lions, cats, and—” His breath caught. “Oh my.”
A demi-wolf couple walked hand in hand down the lane, stopping in front of the butcher’s shop before going inside. Another demi-wolf stood beside a fruit cart speaking to the owner. More exited the apothecary, along with three children outside a toy shop who excitedly clutched cloth dolls.
All gazes shifted to Lake.
He watched the demi-wolves go about their daily lives, his expression hovering between awe and sadness. The latter more than likely came from him wondering what his life could’ve been like had his dad rebelled with Varys and the others all those years ago instead of staying in Bremloc. Then he would’ve been like those happy demi-wolf children, never having known the pain of seeing his dad being murdered simply for existing in a kingdom that saw him as an enemy.
“Hey, pup.” Rowan nudged Lake’s arm. “Show me a good place to find a drink around here. I need to refill my flask.”
“Evan was right. You drink too much.” Lake lightly swatted him with his poofy tail.
“Yeah, yeah.” Rowan rolled his eyes. Like usual, though, he couldn’t hide his true emotions in those eyes. They were soft as they looked at our wolf. “Maybe we can find something salty or spicy to eat while we’re at it. That boar was too sweet for me.”
“All right,” Lake said. His somber mood had lifted. He seemed much lighter as the two of them each kissed me on the cheek and went down the path together.
I suspected wanting rum or food wasn’t the real reason for Rowan’s suggestion though. He’d wanted to make our wolf forget about that sadness weighing on his heart.
My chin wobbled. Something I loved? I wasn’t the only one my men cared about; they loved each other too. Lake and Rowan had formed a bond since our trip to Exalos last autumn, and it was only getting stronger.
