“Finnian,” I said with a smile. Three guards had accompanied me to Exalos. Him, Ban, and another one named August—who was a total grouch. “What are you doing out here?”
“Ban and I are doing a routine patrol of the castle grounds.” Finnian returned my smile. With his wavy locks and strong jaw, the dude gave off a Prince Charming vibe, both handsome and poised.
Ban stood silently beside him, several heads taller. Unlike Finnian, he wore his helmet, covering everything apart from his gray eyes and a small opening for his mouth. But I knew it was him. He was built like a mountain.
“I’m on my way to have tea with Prince Sawyer,” I told them. A castle messenger had come to the cottage earlier that morning with the invitation, giving me enough time to bake some treats before the carriage arrived to pick me up after lunch. “Don’t think I’m sneaking around looking for trouble.”
Finnian chuckled. “I would never think that of you. Yet, I must ask…” He nodded to the basket on my arm. “What have you brought?”
“Goodies from the café. Cookies, cupcakes, and a few scones. Want one?”
“Ah, I shouldn’t.” Finnian patted his stomach. The armor gave a slight clank with the action. “My metabolism isn’t what it used to be.”
Ban’s gaze fell to the basket before quickly darting away. His towering height and massive muscles would’ve intimidated the bravest of men, but I knew the gentle soul beneath it all. One who’d bought me a flower in Exalos because he thought it was pretty and wanted me to have it.
“Here.” I withdrew a scone and offered it to him. “It’s cranberry and orange.”
Ban glanced at Finnian. I’d never heard him talk. He only grunted and gestured to things, never saying a word.
“It’d be rude to refuse such a generous offer,” Finnian said, understanding Ban’s unique way of communicating. He then eyed the scone. “In fact, I rescind my earlier answer and would love one as well.”
“Yay.” I gave one to each of them and felt a warm flutter in my chest as they ate. I loved when people enjoyed my food.
“Evan!” Kuya scampered through the snow and tackled me to the ground, knocking the basket from my arm and the breath from my lungs. He excitedly nuzzled my cheeks before drawing back. His rainbow colored eyes stood out against the wintery landscape. “Kuya is so happy you’re home.”
“Me too,” I wheezed, fighting for a breath. It was a good thing he was adorable.
“Did you bring Kuya a present?” He snatched the basket from where it’d dropped amidst his attack and found the treasure stashed within. “Kuya Berry Delights!”
The flavor I’d named in his honor. Strawberry cake with strawberry buttercream.
“Young Evan?” Finnian sounded like he was trying not to laugh. “Do you need our assistance?”
“N-No. I’m okay. Death by cuteness isn’t a bad way to go.”
“Evan is right.” Kuya admired a cupcake with a twinkle in his eyes. “Kuya is very cute.”
“Kuya?” another voice called out. “Don’t be rude. Wait until Evan gives you permission.”
The adorable cat boy froze with the cupcake an inch from his lips. His long tail swished in the air behind him.
“You can eat it under one condition,” I said, teeth chattering. “Let me up? This snow is freezing. I wasn’t built for the cold.”
Instantly, the weight on my stomach lifted, and Kuya tugged me to my feet. I wobbled before finding my balance. My ass was numb, but at least I could breathe again.
“Evan is back on two legs now! Kuya did good and deserves his treat.” He then tore into the cupcake. Excited little purrs came from his throat as he chewed.
“Good afternoon,” Prince Sawyer greeted me. Flurries sat atop his wind-blown golden hair. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah.” I dusted the snow off my pants. “I’m honored to be one of the people he likes to pounce on.”
Kuya’s reddish-brown cat ears twitched, and the chitters in his throat continued.
Sawyer faced the two guards. “You have my gratitude for keeping Evan company in my absence. Please go to the kitchen and have the cooks prepare you a cup of tea to warm yourselves.”
“Your kindness is unsurpassed, Your Highness.” Finnian bowed his head. “However, we must continue our patrol of the grounds. The safety of the royal family means more than a bit of chill in our bones.”
“Very well,” Sawyer said. “Finish your patrol and then rest after. Our safety is important, yes, but so is your health.”
