Page 29 of Lord of Misrule

Kit took off her apron, brushed off her clothes, and ran a hand over her head to smooth down her hair.

“Oh, Kit, this all sounds so wonderful but are you sure we should be doing this?” asked Brenna. “What if someone finds out? We might all be thrown into the dungeon because of it.”

“Nay, don’t even say that. No one is going to be the wiser.” Kit smiled and picked up the plate with the special cake on it. “Besides, isn’t it time that a commoner had something good happen to them? Why should the nobles have all the luck, wealth, and riches?” She took the plate and made her way to the great hall. Taking a quick look around, she spied Oliver waving to her from one of the far tables. Kit was so excited she could barely stand it. She took one step into the room but was abruptly halted.

“Hold on, there,” said Tolin, seeming to come from nowhere. His big body blocked her path and her view of Oliver. She needed to get around him and give her brother by marriage the cake so her plan could be set into action.

“Lord Tolin,” she gasped. He was the last person she wanted to see right now. Especially since she was deceiving him.

“What have you got there?” he asked, looking down at the cake.

“Huh?” Her head snapped up and her eyes widened in fear. “Oh, this is the cake. You know, the cake that is being used for your game,” she told him. “This is the last one to be served.”

“That looks delicious.” He started to reach for it, but she pulled the plate away.

“I told the servers to bring cake to the nobles first. I’m sure if you return to your seat you’ll find some waiting for you.”

“Mmmm, that smells good,” he said, closing his eyes and sniffing the air. “What kind of cake is it?”

“It is fruit-and-nut cake, my lord. With a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and a splash of dark ale inside. Now, excuse me. I need to deliver this last cake and get back to work.” She stepped around him, but with one stride from his long legs, he was blocking her way once again.

“Those are some of my favorite ingredients, you realize.”

“That’s nice. Pardon me.” She tried again, but his hand on her arm stopped her this time.

“Wait.”

“Is there something you need, my lord?” She glanced up at him. Heat started to rise within her. She and her family were so close to having a good life, but Lord Tolin was the only thing right now standing in her way.

“Were you able to get some food to eat in the kitchen?” he asked her, sounding sincerely concerned.

“Nay. Not yet. But don’t worry, I will as soon as I deliver this last cake.” She flashed him a fake smile. “So, excuse me so I can bring it to the table.”

“No need for that. I’ll help you get rid of it.” He reached out and plucked the cake off the plate.

Kit’s eyes focused on the empty dish and her mouth fell open. “Nay. What are you doing?” she gasped.

“I am helping you to finish your work quicker so you can go and enjoy the Christmas feast.”

Kit wasn’t interested in food right now. The only feast she desired was her dreams that would be granted once Oliver found the bean in the cake.

“Don’t eat that, my lord,” she blurted out, having to refrain herself from ripping it out of his hand.

“Why not?” His dark eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her.

“Because! Because your cake is at the dais, my lord. That one is for the commoners.” She held out the plate but he didn’t return the cake.

“If we’re short because of this one, I’ll give my cake at the dais to a commoner, don’t worry.”

She tried to actually reach out for it, but she was too late. Tolin opened his mouth and took a big bite.

“Mmmm, this is delicious,” he said as he chewed. “You must be the finest baker in the land, Kit. This is the best fruit and nut cake I have ever tasted.”

“Thank you,” she said, horrified by his act. Her eyes flashed down to the rest of the cake in his fingers. She wondered if the bean was still inside the piece left. He hadn’t seemed to bite into it yet. Mayhap if she got the rest of the cake away from him before he found the bean, she’d still be able to slip it to Oliver in time.

“I’m sure you’d like to sit down and eat, my lord. Allow me to carry that cake to your table for you.” She held out the plate, wanting him to put the remainder of the small hand cake atop the dish, but Tolin had other intentions. The man couldn’t seem to be parted from his sweets.

“No need to do that. This is so good that I’ll finish it right here.” He shoved the rest of the cake into his mouth and chewed. Kit held her breath and her body stiffened. How was this really happening? Why? This couldn’t be true! Then she heard his tooth hit the bean and he moaned and held his hand up to his mouth.