“I’ll watch over her, sir. I wouldn’t want to disappoint Ryuu,” Pierce promised.
Aiden shook his head, and he and Oron walked back toward the palace together, looking worried.
Meryn grinned and rubbed her hands together. “The overlords have retreated to their combat arena, now is the time to strike!”
“Zoe, show us da way,” Meryn said, pointing to the sidewalk.
Zoe nodded and led them down the walkway she was now familiar with. When they were in sight of the Brick Oven, she heard Meryn whisper, ‘whoa,’ under her breath.
Gage opened and held the door for them, and they all walked inside.
“Zoe! I hope your mate didn’t mess up again,” Peter said, before releasing his booming laughter.
“No, he’s been good,” she teased.
Gage swatted her bottom, causing her to gasp and cover her butt with both hands. Again, Peter laughed.
“Oven,” Meryn said, swaying slightly.
Izzy came up on one side and Pip on the other.
“What else?” Pip said, guiding Meryn.
“Hot, embers, coal, oven, no… furnace.” Meryn shook her head. “It’s a place to cook and create, but it can be for food or weapons.” She stared up at the large baker. “You’re a furnace.”
He eyed her from over the glass case. “What was that, Your Highness?”
Meryn just nodded. “I have stupid empathy, but I can’t control it yet. However, your image came through loud and clear. You’re strong, but not like muscle strong, though, obviously you’re pretty badass; it was more like you’re versatile and dependable.”
The large man’s cheeks tinted pink. “Your Highness, I don’t think I’ve ever received such a compliment. Pick anything you want on the house.”
Meryn scowled. “I wanna pay.”
He looked over to Izzy. “Then you can help your friend figure out my espresso machine scenario.”
Meryn beamed up at him. “Izzy is the Coffee Goddess, I am the Empress of Merytopia. We were hoping to turn your store into a new place of worship.”
He frowned, then blinked, then blinked again before shrugging. “Whatever, as long as I can add espressos to the menu, I’ll be happy.”
“Excellent. Izzy, what do you think?” Meryn asked, pointing to the store.
Behind them, a few fae walked in and went to the counter.
Peter looked at Meryn. “Be right back with you,” he said, then turned to help his customers.
Izzy and Meryn walked around the case and into the kitchen area. Zoe looked at Gage, who just shook his head. Moments later, when they returned, Izzy was pointing to the counter behind Peter.
“The problem is space. I have a feeling he needs all he has back there for dough and stuff. But, if he sacrificed this back wall bar seating area and extended his kitchen, he’d have the space for everything.”
“Space for what?” One of the fae asked while their friend was getting rung up.
“We’re looking at adding espresso machines here,” Meryn replied, stepping from around Izzy.
The fae’s eyes widened, and he bowed from the waist. “Good morning, Your Highness.”
His two friends turned, saw who he was speaking to, and immediately bowed. “Good morning, Your Highness.”
“Umm, good morning.”