Page 92 of Ale Storm

“Dwarven music sounds a touch cacophonous,” she murmured.

Zalani, who’d been seating non-dwarves on the rooftop terrace, must have run out of room up there. Now that the king’s party had all entered, she allowed a few food critics and other customers into the remaining seats in the dining room. Mya also entered, carrying a large covered basket in her arms. Some of her desserts?

Looking a little nervous, she only glanced toward the king’s booth before heading toward the hallway.

“Is that Yorikon Stonehammer’s wife?” Ekton asked in surprise.

Mya paused and did her best to face him and curtsey with the basket in her arms. “Yes, Your Majesty. Mya. It’s an honor to see you again.”

“Mya, of course. I remember. Though you were so rarely at court. Of course, your husband never fit in there either.”

“I, erm.”

Mya never hesitated and was always so confident. She wasn’t intimidated by even dragons, but she appeared flustered as she looked around. Maybe the king of one’s own people was a more daunting figure than a chef dragon across the street.

Rylana waved for her to come forward. “After being treated harshly by one Lady Hymika in that court, Mya felt ostracized and came to Tranquility to start a successful bakery.”

Judging by Mya’s scowl at her, she hadn’t wanted that story to come out. But how was the king to learn about her situation and do something to resolve it if he didn’t know?

“That dwarven lady made it clear to Mya’s children that they shouldn’t visit their mother,” Rylana added to Ekton, “but that leaves her forlorn and missing her kin. No amount of success can heal such wounds.”

Feet rooted to the floor and jaw tense, Mya looked like she was on the verge of throwing whatever was in the basket at Rylana. If it was the stonebread, Rylana might be in trouble. She bowed an apology but also waved for Mya to go to the king’s table, hoping she would explain further.

Blinking and looking around, Ekton appeared surprised by the news. “Lady Hymika has attempted to ostracize you? She hasn’t any legal authority to do that. I’m aware that she’s known for her sharp tongue, but I hadn’t realized… Well, she applies that more to other females than to males, but I have heard rumors about her.” Ekton touched his own chest. “Still, I had no idea she wielded such power among others in my court.”

“It doesn’t matter, Your Majesty. I’ve created a new life here. I remain loyal to the crown and volunteered to make desserts tonight. I also have some stonebread and fresh-churned butter.” Mya finally stepped up to the booth, past the guards at the nearby table, some of whom were eyeing her with suspicion but most of whom were sniffing toward the basket. When Mya pulled back the covering, revealing disc-shaped loaves of bread—they did remind Rylana of small shields—many noses inhaled the scents wafting out. There was a slight tang to the rich yeasty aroma. Was it a type of sourdough?

“I’d love to try it.” Ekton nodded to Mya.

Wikla took two loaves of bread and a ramekin of whipped butter and held them next to the horn.

“I’m sure Yorikon Stonehammer’s wife doesn’t plan to poison us,” Ekton said.

“Of course not, sire.” That didn’t keep Wikla from thoroughly waving the horn over the food.

“Is there alcohol in that bread?” Rylana asked Mya, not sure the female would trust them if the horn warmed.

“Not in the bread, no. I did use the delicious blackberry ale in my desserts.”

“Oh, that sounds fabulous.” Ekton took one of the loaves of bread and also the tub of butter. He plucked up a knife and smeared the spread liberally on a chunk that he tore off. “I remember Yorikon speaking about your cooking, Mya. In fact, didn’t he cancel an arranged marriage because of his love for you—and the baked goods you create?”

“An arranged marriage to Lady Hymika, yes, sire.”

“Ah? Was that it? Oh, I see then. She must remain bitter.” Ekton bit into the bread. “It’s as good as I imagined. Why didn’t Yorikon ever invite me to dine at your home? He was keeping you all to himself.”

Pink tinged Mya’s cheeks, but she looked pleased.

“Maybe King Ekton would like a tour of your bakery,” Rylana suggested. “With samples.”

“Oh!” Ekton’s eyes beamed interest.

“The second course will be ready soon,” Jildarin said, having walked out of the kitchen to check on the progress of the appetizer. Since he scowled at Rylana, he must also have heard her suggestion.

“The tour could take place after the meal has concluded.” Rylana thought working to reunite Mya with her family was more important than Jildarin getting a new name on his plaque, but she didn’t want to go out of her way to ruin his plans for the meal.

“Perhaps a brief interlude?” Ekton suggested, winking at Mya.

“I would be honored, sire.”