Page 177 of Dancing for the Minotaur

“The male feeds his bride the first bite of food from his plate and gives her the first sip from his cup,” he said. “Among my people, the gesture signifies that he will always nourish and sustain her. It is not necessarily a sweet food, though some regions use ceremonial fruits or breads.”

Terra propped her chin in her palm and smiled.

“That’s actually really beautiful.”

“It’s practical,” Taurex told her. “A Monstrum must be able and willing to sustain and care for his bride. He must be willing to give his life to save hers. He must put her happiness before his own always.”

“Wow…” Terra was looking at him with an emotion he couldn’t quite interpret in her eyes. “Is that really how Monstrum feel about their brides?”

“If a male is lucky enough to be given a bride by the Goddess, he will do anything in his power to protect and care for her,” Taurex told her. Somehow they were looking into each other’s eyes, and he found he couldn’t tear his gaze away. “He will lay down his life for her without a second thought,” he added.

“Oh, Taurex—” Terra began.

But just then they were interrupted by Marcia, returning from the back part of the bakery.

“Well now—do you have any questions?” she asked brightly.

“Er, no.” Terra looked down. “We haven’t tasted them all quite yet.”

Taurex said nothing. He found himself imagining Terra standing before him during a true Joining ceremony, taking a sip from the cup he held to her lips. The image came so vividly that he had to look away.

This was precisely why pretending to plan a wedding was dangerous.

Marcia, apparently oblivious to his internal struggle, pushed another plate forward.

“Try the almond raspberry,” she urged.

They did and Terra liked it more than the vanilla.

Taurex considered it superior as well.

Then came chocolate ganache, which was extremely rich.

“Delicious.” Terra licked her lips in a way that Taurex found distractingly erotic.

He smiled.

“I know how much you love chocolate. But do you think all our guests will feel the same way? This cake is extremely rich.”

She frowned, playing along.

“You’re right—it might be too much for some people.”

“Well, we can do different flavors for different layers,” Marcia said helpfully. “Depending on how many layers you want?”

“Just two should be enough,” Terra told her. “We’d doing a small, intimate ceremony—just close friends and family.”

“Small ceremonies are lovely,” Marcia said smiling.

Terra gave Taurex a look he couldn’t interpret.

“Yes…yes, they are.”

Their eyes held for so long that Marcia cleared her throat meaningfully.

“Not to rush you, but I have another tasting coming in soon. Would you like to try the other flavors?”

“Oh, of course. Sorry.” Terra’s cheeks went red, and they went back to the cake.