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Maris’s lips formed a soft, satisfied curve. Her hand slipped from her cup to grip Valda’s thick forearm, squeezing it. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For painting an image in my head of my people and my land. No one has ever done that. The books I’ve read do it no justice.”

“I do it no justice.”

“And yet you tried,” Maris said, unconsciously leaning closer and pressing her lips to Valda’s cheek. Valda tensed, and Maris pulled away just as Lasmeer walked in with their meal.

“Goodness! This is way too much food!” Maris shrieked as Lasmeer placed both plates in front of her and Valda.

“Eat what you can, I’ll take care of the rest,” Valda commented.

Maris watched as Valda gathered the food in her hands. She was sloppy, with chunks of meat falling from between the two pieces of bread. The queen took a large bite, more meat falling as well as vegetables. Maris grimaced, not used to making a mess when eating. She gathered the meal, looking down and studying which side was the best one to take a bite off. Valda had already taken three big chomps off and she was still deciding how to start. Groaning, she tried to open her mouth as wide as she could before closing it. The explosion of flavors took her by surprise.

“Gods!”

“I know, right?” Valda chuckled before taking her fourth bite.

“Slow down!” Maris said, eying the mess Valda had made.

“I can’t! I haven’t been here in a couple of years! I missed this!”

Maris scrunched her nose before putting her food down. “I am making a mess.”

“You need to open your mouth wider,” Valda teased, a sly smile painted on her lips.

“You are making a mess too.”

“I have an excuse,” Valda said, waving a cheese-covered hand over her eyes.

“Can’t argue there,” Lasmeer said, wiping his hand with his apron.

“Of course.” Maris sighed as she grabbed a napkin and tried to clean up her hands a bit. “Lasmeer, is there a washroom nearby?”

“Out in the back,” Lasmeer answered, leaning over the bar near Valda.

“Do you want me to accompany you?” Valda asked.

“Oh, please. Eat, don’t wait for me. Talk with Lasmeer. I am sure there are things you’d like to discuss with me out of earshot.”

“Not about what you think,” Valda muttered in her defense.

“Sure. I will be right back.” Maris hopped from her stool and exited the shop.

Lasmeer cleared his throat, capturing Valda’s attention. “Explain.”

Valda knitted her brows together as she wiped her bottom lip with a napkin. “What?”

“Don’t play dumb. I’ve always thought you would end up with that boy from Harmonia, and you are here with this girl who I’ve never heard of before.”

“She is my assistant.”

“I didn’t know assistants kissed their bosses on the cheek.”

Valda scoffed. “Get me another beer.”

“As my queen wishes.” Lasmeer cackled before retrieving another bottle. “I am surprised, though. I thought that after what has been going on you would’ve stayed locked up in your castle.”