Page 11 of Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 4

A Family Reunion

“You’re amazing, Miles,” I said, admiring his work.

The two-tiered spice cake was simple, yet elegant, in design with delicate piping and chocolate shavings that resembled tree bark. Cream cheese frosting filled the layers, adding a nice tanginess to balance the flavors of cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg. The décor screamed woodsy winter, and I loved it.

“Thank you, mister Evan.” A flush darkened his cheeks. “We make quite the pair.”

“Hell yeah. Best duo ever.” I stuck out my fist for a bump.

Miles tilted his head. “Do you intend to hit me?”

“What? No.” I snorted and grabbed his hand, forming it into a fist. It was like holding a baseball mitt. The dude was freaking massive. “Like this.” I then bumped our knuckles together. “Friends do it for like a job well done or when they’re excited.”

“I see.” His smile returned. “I like it.”

I stepped over to the counter to add the finishing touches on the vanilla petit fours. We’d kept the menu simple but packed with flavor. The coffee had notes of brown sugar; perfect for drinking black or with cream. It would pair great with the cake.

“Thanks for coming on short notice,” I told him. “The café was busy today. I’m sure you’re tired.”

“Oh, it’s no bother at all.” The rounded bear ears jutting from his brown hair wiggled. “Making dessert for the king and his family is a great honor.”

Rose swept into the kitchen, looking perfectly calm and collected. Feeding the royal family was nothing new for her. Just another day. “Hello, boys. It smells divine in here. The main course is finished. How are dessert preparations?”

“Almost ready,” I said.

Along with the petit fours, we’d made pumpkin spice macarons and snickerdoodle cookies. Miles helped me sort the desserts on a platter, and then I filled cups with freshly brewed coffee. Rose organized them onto trays, along with dainty spoons and decorative dishes containing sugar and cream. The serving staff grabbed the dessert platter and the cake and left the kitchen.

Our job was done. After hours of going back and forth between the hot ovens and working like mad, exhaustion caught up to me.

“Whew.” I plopped down in a chair, wiping at my brow. “I think we deserve a treat too after all that.”

“Yes. We did well.” Miles offered me his fist.

I grinned and bumped it.

As we munched on leftover cookies and macarons, I glanced toward the large window. It was dark outside now. Had my men eaten dinner yet? Knowing Rowan, he’d probably just drank rum and ate the rest of the garlic bread I’d made the previous day. Hopefully, Lake forced him to eat a more substantial meal.

“Pardon the intrusion,” an oddly familiar voice said from behind us. “May I join you for a moment?”

When I turned around, my jaw smacked against the floor. “Kuya?”

“Good evening.” He tipped his head. My cat boy bestie wore a suave burgundy suit, and his reddish brown hair had been combed and styled, not a strand out of place.

Posture perfect and wearing shoes he wasn’t trying to kick off, I barely recognized him. Even stranger? He’d referred to himself as “I” instead of in third person.

“Who are you and what have you done with my Kuya?”

Then, just as I was convincing myself it was a case of the body snatchers, the edge of Kuya’s mouth hitched up and his rainbow eyes sparkled. He leapt toward me, his long tail swishing in the air behind him. “Kuya looks fancy, right? He sounds fancy too.”

“Oh thank god. You’re back to normal.”

“Kuya missed his Evan!” He pounced on me, nearly knocking me out of my chair.

“I missed you too,” I said, still baffled by his appearance. “Mind explaining what’s going on here?”

“Fancy classes.” He snatched one of the macarons and shoved the whole thing into his mouth.

“Ah, your etiquette lessons,” I said, remembering.

“Kuya was tortured for so long, but he can now attend dinners with his prince.” He put his mouth at my ear and whispered, “Kuya fooled that mean old man and made him believe Kuya was fancy, but he’s not. Guard Kuya’s secret.”

“I will,” I said with a laugh.

“You look handsome,” Miles told him. “That color suits you.”

“Kuya likes it too.” He smiled down at it. “Prince Sawyer chose it for Kuya.”

“Did you enjoy dinner?” I asked.

“Oh, yes. Food was yummy. Not as yummy as Evan’s treats though. Kuya loved the fancy little cakes.” His face fell. “She liked Evan’s treats too.”

“She? Do you mean Lady Alina?”

He hissed. “Kuya wants to bite her.”

Movement from the doorway caught my eye. Sir Noah entered the kitchen, looking elegant in a decorative uniform and with his black hair combed back.

“Evening,” I greeted him.

He nodded to me. “A pleasure to see you again.”

“Want a cookie?” I motioned to the plate.

Noah shook his head. “The king wishes to speak with you.”

The bottom dropped out of my stomach. “Um. He d-does? Like right now?”

“Yes. He’s awaiting you in his study. I’ve come to escort you.”

“Oh. Okay.” The sudden jolt of nerves made me feel sick. Asking me to make dessert for the feast was one thing, but why had the king invited me to his study? “I’m not exactly dressed for royalty. This isn’t even my good shirt.”

Rose, having overheard, grabbed my arm and ushered me toward a door to the right. “There’s a water basin in here. Use it to clean up and make yourself presentable.”

“But—”

“No arguments.” She put her hands on her hands. “Take off the apron, wash that flour off your cheek, and get moving.”

“Yes, ma’am.” As nervous as I was to meet with the king and potentially blow my cover, she was a lot scarier to me right then. Once washed off and free of flour and specks of batter, I looked at Miles. “Will you be all right getting home?”

“A carriage will take him,” Rose said.

“Kuya will guard Miles and take him to the carriage.” He puffed out his chest.

“Many thanks, my friend,” Miles told him before patting my shoulder. “I’ll see you on the morrow, mister Evan. Bright and early.”

“Yeah,” I squeaked, then cleared my throat. “See you then.”

The two of them left, arm in arm. Some might’ve found it funny that, given their massive size difference, Kuya would protect Miles from anything. However, I’d seen Kuya in action. He could be a vicious little thing when he wanted to be.

Sir Noah led me from the room, and two more guards appeared behind us, their bulky frames leaving little room for me to slip past and make my escape. Not that I would’ve tried to do that or anything.

“Escape? With your clumsy little legs?” I could just imagine Maddox saying. Rowan too. Mocking my smallness was one thing they had in common.

It would be my luck to trip and fall on my face in front of the king though. Paranoid, I checked the laces on my boots just to make sure they were tied. Then I checked them again.

Voices came from the room at the end of the corridor, and my pulse quickened. Voices. Plural. Were the princes with him? The psychopath Cedric? Worse than tripping over my own two feet? Puking on them. I took more deep breaths to steady those nauseating twists and tugs in my belly.

We stopped in front of a doorway.

“Wait here,” Noah said before stepping into the room and announcing my arrival.

“Send him in,” came a slightly husky voice.

“As you wish, Your Majesty.” He returned and motioned to the door. “After you.”

Taking a deep breath, I stepped across the threshold.

The study was spacious and well-furnished, with bookshelves, various armchairs, a loveseat, and a desk with books stacked on top. A large window was centered on the back wall with the curtains pulled shut.

“A pleasure to see you again, Evan,” King Eidolon said, drawing my attention to him. He sat in front of the fireplace, goblet in hand. A golden crown adorned his cropped blond hair, and highlights of gray touched his short beard. Scars were visible on his neck, stretching above his collar. “I appreciate you accepting my request. I hope it was no trouble.”

“No trouble at all, Your Majesty.” I bowed my head.

The king smiled, but a deeper emotion snaked through his eyes. Something painful. Like a tiny piece of him had broken apart with one look at me. When I’d first met him, he’d had a similar reaction; face paling and mouth gaping. He had then reached for my face with a shaking hand.

Why? Because I resembled my father? The younger brother he’d loved and lost. Did he suspect the truth? Out of everyone in this world, he’d be the one to put those pieces together first.

Stop being paranoid.

“Please.” King Eidolon motioned to an armchair. “Have a seat.”

As I walked toward it, another person came into view. Prince Sawyer sat on the small couch.

“Good evening, my prince,” I said, sitting in the chair across from him.

“It’s nice to see you, my friend.” His smile calmed some of my nerves.

An older man occupied the other chair. He had ashen brown hair and a finely trimmed mustache. “Ah, excellent. The young baker of those delicious desserts. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I’m Lord Thomas Norwood, Baron of Voltas.”

I bowed my head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope the cake was to your liking.”

“Oh, very much so.” He placed a hand on his stomach. “Truly exquisite.”

“It was,” Sawyer agreed. “I had two slices, as well as several of those pumpkin cookies.”

The king chuckled. “Indulgence is good for the soul but only on occasion. A lesson dear Kuya needs to learn. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was part chipmunk instead of cat. Cheeks always stuffed with treats.”

Sawyer smiled down at his lap. “He’s worked so hard in his etiquette lessons.”

“Kuya is the demi-beast, yes?” Thomas asked. “Alina adores him. She has always wanted a pet cat, but her mother is allergic, you see.”

My opinion of the baron fell a notch or two. Sawyer shared my sudden disgust. His fingers curled into a fist, and his jaw tightened.

“Care for some wine?” the king asked me.

“Oh, um, no thank you,” I responded, then freaked out a little. Was it okay to refuse? Being nervous kickstarted a ramble. As it often did. “Don’t get me wrong, I love wine. Really. Especially red wine. But it doesn’t always love me back, if you know what I mean. One glass goes straight to my head, and I’m clumsy enough sober.” Remembering who I was addressing, I then quickly added, “Your Majesty.”

Sir Noah lightly coughed. The two guards near the door pressed their lips together.

The king stared at me for several—frankly, agonizing—seconds before throwing his head back with a laugh. “My son was right. You are truly remarkable, Evan. Full of wit and charm. I see why he enjoys your company so much.”

Sawyer offered me an encouraging smile. He and his father were so much alike.

Was I like mine?

“I enjoy his company as well, Your Majesty,” I said. “Prince Sawyer and Kuya have become dear to me.”

The king’s eyes did that thing again. Like another piece had chipped away. He then shook his head. “Apologies for staring so intently. You just… remind me of someone. In both appearance and mannerisms.”

“Who?” Sawyer asked him.

A sad smile touched the king’s lips. Instead of answering, he took another drink from his goblet and moved his gaze to the fire.

Something caught my eye from the corner of the study. A glimmer of topaz within the dark. Rowan showed his face and winked at me before sinking back into the shadows.

What the actual hell?

I tried not to show my shock. How long had he been spying on us? Did Draven and the other spies know?

“Are you well?” the king asked.

Snapping my attention away from the corner, a nervous laugh bubbled from me. “Oh, um. Yes, Your Majesty. Just a wandering mind, is all.”

He smiled. “Then allow me to tell you why I’ve invited you here this evening.”

Sawyer’s expression turned grim.

“A marriage has been arranged between Prince Sawyer and Lady Alina, Lord Norwood’s daughter,” the king continued. “A royal ball will be held to officially announce their engagement. Nobles from all over the realm will be in attendance.”

“Oh. That’s…” I sat up higher in my chair and glanced at Sawyer. He stared at the rug. “Wonderful news.”

“Wonderful, indeed,” Sawyer lifted his gaze and slapped on a smile. Others might not have picked up on that sad look in his eyes, but I sure as hell did. “Our marriage will unite Bremloc and Voltas at last.”

“A union that will strengthen this kingdom for the better,” Thomas interjected, helping himself to a glass of wine. “My beautiful city of Voltas is not only an essential port for trade but also possesses the largest naval fleet in the seas. None can rival us.”

“I see.” I wrung my hands together. “Definitely cause for celebration.”

“Yes.” King Eidolon watched Sawyer with a deep frown. Did he suspect how heartbroken his son was because of this whole ordeal? Would it change anything even if he did?

Thomas sipped his wine. “After tasting your desserts, my darling Alina was absolutely smitten. So much so that I insisted on meeting you and requesting your services for the ball.”

“You want me to cater it?” I asked.

“Correct, my boy.” Thomas nodded. “A grand cake for a showpiece. Coffee and a selection of tea for the refreshments. I will pay you handsomely, of course. Do you accept?”

“Yes, milord.” I forced my hands to still. “It’d be an honor.”

“Excellent.” Thomas clapped his hands together once before drinking more wine. “Alina will be overjoyed. Perhaps you’ll meet her soon. After the feast, the women retired to the tearoom, probably to gossip and indulge in more sweets.”

The king’s study suddenly felt like a little boy’s treehouse with a “no girls allowed” sign hanging out front.

“I look forward to meeting her, milord,” I said.

“With that, I’m afraid I must retire for the evening.” Thomas stood, taking his goblet with him. “Planning a wedding is an awfully tiresome affair.”

King Eidolon nodded to him. “Rest well.”

Lord Norwood returned the nod and stepped toward the door, a bit clumsier than I’d expect. Which left little doubt that the baron most definitely drank too much.

The king turned to me. “Once again, you have my gratitude for this evening. I will send payment on the morrow. As for the ball, further details will be given once—”

Laughter rang out from the corridor. Well, more like giggles. Obnoxious ones. Footsteps grew closer before the door swung open, and Prince Cedric strolled in like he owned the place, a golden crown atop his hair and dressed in a red, elaborate uniform with gold clasps.

Two girls hung on his arm, one on each side. Both of them blonde. The source of the obnoxious giggles.

“Good evening, Father,” Cedric said with a dramatic wave of his hand. A goblet was clutched in the other. “Do forgive the intrusion. We were having quite the grand evening when I heard a meeting was taking place. I’m awfully sore I wasn’t invited.”

The smartass smile on his lips said he was really torn up over it too.

“You’ve been drinking,” King Eidolon said, his disappointment ringing loud and clear.

“Right you are.” Cedric held up his goblet. “It is a feast, after all. What joy it is to welcome Lord Thomas and his beautiful daughter to our fine kingdom. How about you, Sawyer? You’re overjoyed, yes? You’ll soon be married.”

“Yes,” Sawyer said, smile tight.

“It’s quite the relief, really. Even Mother agrees.” Cedric’s stare darkened. “We were sure you’d try to marry that beast always following you around. I had a thought earlier that his fur would make for a nice collar on my cloak.”

Sawyer’s face paled.

“Enough,” the king said, motioning to the vacant couch. “Have a seat.”

“Why, of course, Father. Who am I to refuse the request of the king?” Cedric’s cold eyes then landed on me. “Ah, the pebble is here. How lovely.”

The pebble. Well, it was definitely better than being a bloody stain on the floor. I’d gone completely still. My breaths came soft, but quick.

Cedric and the girls made their way over to the other loveseat and plopped down. It wasn’t big enough for all three, so one sat on his lap.

“Ladies?” King Eidolon addressed them. “Might I ask you to return home for the evening?”

A very polite way of saying they had no business being in that room. Which made sense. Not even Lord Thomas’ darling Alina could sit with the men in their “no girls allowed” treehouse.

“Oh.” The one on Cedric’s lap pouted. “We have to leave?”

Two guards stepped forward, giving her the answer.

Cedric squeezed her ass as she slid off and stood. The other girl joined her, both staring adoringly at Cedric as the guards escorted them from the room. Now with the loveseat to himself, he spread out his legs and drank more wine.

“Must you always ruin my fun, Father? I hoped to take them to bed tonight.”

“What you do behind closed doors is your right,” the king said. “However, did you think it appropriate to invite your bedmates here?”

“I don’t see why not. You invited a commoner.” Cedric went to take another drink from his goblet, found it empty, then tossed it to the floor. The loud clatter made me flinch. “How he can sit before us with such ease, as though he were our equal, is more repulsive than the dreadful cake he brought to feed us.”

“Evan’s talents are known all throughout the kingdom,” King Eidolon told him. “And personally, I find his pastries to be the finest I’ve ever tasted. He’s more than earned his place here.”

“Defending him, are you?” Cedric huffed. “I wonder why you feel the need.”

“I only speak the truth.”

The compliment warmed my chest.

“The pebble has a decent reputation for his little pastries.” Cedric dissected me with cold, green eyes. “Yet, I find them best suited for my hounds. Not fit for human consumption.”

I shifted on the cushion and found the pattern on the rug suddenly interesting. Talking about me instead of to me made it clear to everyone in the room he thought me beneath him. A little pebble he’d love to snatch up and throw out to sea. Or feed to one of his hounds.

The scent of black cardamon strengthened, and my gaze snapped back to the dark corner. The shadows had thickened and appeared to be swirling.

Oh god, please don’t use the Bone Crusher on the freaking Crown Prince.

“Leave him be, Cedric,” Sawyer said.

“You dare give me orders, baby brother?” Cedric sat forward, and that unsettling gleam returned his eyes. Similar to the one I’d seen up close and personal when he’d had me shoved against the staircase railing. “Seems to me that you’ve forgotten your place.”

“Evan is our guest,” Sawyer’s tone didn’t waver in the slightest. “And you will treat him with respect.”

“Respect?” Cedric spat through clenched teeth. “You expect me to respect lowborn scum like him? Perhaps you should crawl back into bed, baby brother, for you must be out of your head with fever.”

“Why are you so cruel to him?” Sawyer’s composure slipped. “Evan has done nothing to wrong you. Your treatment of him is despicable.”

A dark glint of amusement sparked in Cedric’s eyes. “Despicable? One day when I’m king, I could have your tongue cut out for such a remark.”

Sawyer glared. “That would make you a tyrant, not a king.”

“And you believe you’d be better?”

“Cedric,” King Eidolon said. Just one word, but it held a note of warning. “You speak of your brother forgetting his place when it’s you that’s forgotten yours. You may be heir to the throne, but you aren’t yet king. You still have much to learn before then. Carry yourself with more grace.”

“My apologies, Father. It seems I’ve indulged in too much wine.” Cedric bowed his head, yet the edge of his mouth tightened. “I can only hope to be as wise of a king as you are one day.”

King Eidolon stared at his eldest son before nodding to me. “Apologies for that spectacle, Mr. Clark. You may be excused.”

Cedric’s gaze flickered back up to mine, searing into me. He clearly wanted to spout off a hateful remark, but the king’s presence was my saving grace. Keeping that mean mouth of his shut for once.

Relieved to be dismissed, I bowed to them and left the room, passing a servant in the hall. A peppery scent then filled the air.

“Want me to stab him?” Rowan said from the shadows. “The eldest prince. Not the nice one.”

I snorted. “It’s rude to spy on people.”

“You have your talents. I have mine.”

“No stabbing.”

“You’re no fun. Stabbing is my specialty.”

“Eating buttery biscuits is too. No one does it better.”

His raspy laugh came from the shadows to my left. Still no sight of him though.

“It’s weird hearing your voice but not seeing you.”

“Being seen is against our code.”

“Our code?” I grinned. “Said like a true brother of the Order. Draven would be proud. He might even shed a tear.”

“Head home, little treasure,” Rowan responded, a smile clear in his tone. “I’m sure the pup is pouting at the door.”

“Be nice to my Lake.” I tossed a playful glare to where I thought he was standing. “When will you be home?”

“Late. My night is only beginning. I’m about to meet Draven and Reign in the courtyard. Should be there now but wanted to see you first.”

Warm flutters danced along my heartstrings. “Do you have a mission tonight?”

“Of sorts.”

“I take it you can’t give me any details?”

“It’s spy business.” His voice followed me down the corridor, as though he were walking right beside me. “And muffins aren’t spies.”

“You’ve been hanging out with Maddox too much.”

He chuckled again. “Speaking of the captain, he’s waiting for you on the castle steps. Give him a punch in the ribs for me.”

“You’re so mean.” I sighed. “Now go meet Draven. Don’t want to give him another reason to hate me.”

“He doesn’t hate you.” The shadows stretched toward me, and I felt the faintest brush along my cheek. “He’s just untrusting and suspicious of everyone. Comes with the job.”

“He and Reign should come over for dinner sometime. Off duty, of course, so they can eat and relax. They’re your brothers now, which makes them part of the family.”

“That heart of yours is too kind, little treasure.” There was another soft brush along my cheek, like a whisper of fingertips. “I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t miss me too much.”

The darkness then retreated back to the wall, taking the scent of black cardamon with it. I lifted a hand to my cheek and smiled. Rowan was such a charmer when he wanted to be. Heart all fluttery, I continued down the corridor.

Reaching the entry hall, two guards nodded to me, and one stepped forward to open the door.

Maddox stood on the castle steps, staring out across the grounds. Like a sentinel keeping watch. At my approach, he turned and gathered me in his arms without a word. But I felt the things he didn’t say. It was a language we both spoke; the relief of holding each other, of knowing the other was safe.

“Let’s go home,” he said before guiding me down the steps and toward his horse.

Little did I know that something had been set into motion that evening. Something that would send me charging head first into one of my fateful paths.