Page 91 of Not Another Happily Ever After

“I need her help getting a message through to someone. Someone I haven’t spoken to in a very long time,” he adds, clearing his throat.

Ah.“And her hating yourfriend would dampen any chances of that.”

Suddenly it all makes sense.

“So what’s your plan B, then?” I ask, noting the glowing red imprint of Goldie’s hand on Merrek’s smiling face.

“Don’t need one.” Frog nods as the ex-couple dart off down the hall, hand in hand.

Oh?

Oh!

“She’s the baker’s daughter! The brilliant cake maker I’ve heard so much about!” I recall, piecing the dots together.

“That’s her. My sister, Goldie Bear,” Bobby proudly grins as he sets glasses of water and bowls of warm beef broth on our table.

My stomach growls as I inhale the savory smell.

“Thank you,” I murmur, already lifting the bowl to my lips. A soft moan escapes me as I swallow a mouthful of the rich, meaty broth. It’s the best thing I’ve had in days, every sip bursting with flavor.

I catch Frog watching me out of the corner of my eye, his expression softening.

I lower the bowl with a sheepish smile, wiping the dribble from my chin.

“It’s really good.” I laugh softly.

“Of course it is! It’s made just right,” Bobby winks at me, and Frog’s fingers tighten around his glass.

“Anyway,” I chirp, cheeks now flush. “I don’t suppose Merrek and Goldie went off for a pounding break, I’d love to see how that process is done?”

Frog chokes.

Myrrdin’s eyes blow wide, his cheeks the same shade as his hair.

And Bobby? He’s already halfway down the hall, his expression far more frightening than it was five minutes ago.

“Was it something I said?” I stutter, blinking as I look from one man to the next.

“Well…” Myrrdin tilts his head, pressing his lips together before worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. “It wasn’t something you didn’t say.” He shrugs.

“That’s an oxymoron.” I point out.

“Exactly.”

“Myrrdin,” I exhale.

“Fine,” the proper knight shifts in his seat, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. “What exactly do you know aboutpounding?”

“That it’s a necessary step in baking,” I answer matter-of-factly. “Though I’ve never heard of our cooks back home doing it. Regardless, I should very much like to learn.”

The Dark Knight clears his throat, dropping his gaze to the table.

“Merrek, you cad,” Myrrdin brings his clasped hands to his lips.

I don’t understand either reaction.

“Is it a hard thing to learn?” I ask.