Bayard and Exandra looked at each other, and for just a moment, a silent question passed between them.
But then Exandra looked away, and the moment was gone.
Back onTheCelestine Queenthat evening, Minerva found Jasper and Wren seated on a sofa in the library, reviewing their photos from the day. Fred was asleep on a cushion between them, still wearing the tiny chef’s hat that they’d won at the fromagerie.
Minerva thought it suited him.
“Excuse me,” Minerva said. “Are the two of you terribly busy? May Zephyr and I join you for a moment?”
“Of course!” Wren looked up, concerned. “Is everything all right?”
“Everything’s fine!” Minerva settled into a nearby chair, and Zephyr took the seat beside her. “Actually, we have a proposition for you. A bit of a... mission, you might call it.”
Jasper and Wren exchanged wary glances.
“What kind of mission?” Jasper asked tentatively.
“The kind,” Zephyr said with a slight smile, “that involves helping two very stubborn people realize they’re in love with each other.”
“Oh,. Wren breathed a sigh of relief. “This must be about Bayard and Exandra?”
“You’ve noticed, too?” Minerva asked.
“You’d have to be blind not to,” Jasper admitted. “They’re both so miserable and so determined not to talk about it.”
“Precisely. And we think it’s time someone gave them a little push.” Minerva leaned forward conspiratorily. “Are you two interested in helping us orchestrate a very small, very harmless, and completely fake cheese emergency at our next stop?”
Wren’s eyes lit up. “Go on… I’m listening.”
“So am I,” Jasper said eagerly.
“Quack!” said Fred, who was now wide awake.
Minerva smiled. “Excellent. Here’s what we have in mind...”
BASKET QUESO
The next morning, Minerva, Zephyr, Wren, and Jasper sat together again, going over the scheme as they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the ship’s dining room.
The Andalusian mountains rose before them like ancient guardians, their peaks dusted with snow that sparkled in the afternoon sun.The Celestine Queenfloated above a valley where terraced hills cascaded down toward a ring of whitewashed buildings with terra-cotta roofs.
El Refugio de Cabra was both a working goat farm and a magical wellness retreat. It was just remote enough to keep the Ordinaries at bay, yet accessible enough to be a popular year-round destination for magical tourists in the know.
Minerva could already see goats dotting the hillsides. She counted dozens of them, their bells creating a gentle musical backdrop. Steam rose from natural hot springs hidden amongst the rocky outcroppings.
“We’re all staying the night at the resort tonight?” Wren reviewed her itinerary.
“Yes, and we’ll have a free day tomorrow,” Jasper confirmed. “I’m looking forward to hiking, hot springs, and exploring the canyon and the gorge. Oh… there’s a goat yoga session booked for us later today, too!” He frowned. “Too bad Exandra and Bayard will have to miss it.”
“Goat yoga?” Zephyr raised an eyebrow. “What’s this now?”
“It’s a wellness activity,” Jasper explained. “You do some basic yoga poses and meditate while baby goats climb all over you. Apparently it’s very therapeutic.”
“That’s preposterous nonsense!” Zephyr snorted.
“Well, I think it sounds delightful,” Minerva countered. “I love baby animals!”
A couple hours later,The Celestine Queendropped her anchor in a calm section of the river at the bottom of a breathtaking gorge. Sheer cliffs rose up on either side of the vessel.
