I smile when she accepts the shortbread. I’m proud of her baking, and I only wish I had more of it. I savor the bite I take, rich and sweet and tart. I brush crumbs from my lips, and my smile becomes a grin when the girl smiles. She’s got a really nice smile. “Aren’t they?” I laugh a little. “One of my favorites.”
There are all sorts of things mom can bake. The smells that would fill little cabins or rented spaces always made things feel like home, even when we didn’t really have one. Dad was the cook, and a damn good one.
Flora. My head tilts like hers did. Nikki said he was friends with Queen Flora of Torchline. That she comes to visit him here. She can't be the Doubletake. Could be a coincidence, right? Is Flora a common name? My heart starts racing. It can’t be this easy.
I maintain my confidence, and I try not to let on that I think I know who she is. “You’re welcome,” I reply. “There are few things more grounding than a good treat.” My smile turns a little sympathetic. For a queen, she seems… down to earth. Not what I expected. If she is the queen, of course. “And I wouldn’t say obvious exactly, but also yes.” I take another small bite of the shortbread, once more swiping crumbs away. “You just look like someone who needs someone to be kind to them.”
I pause. Really I shouldn’t press— “Did something happen?”
but my god, you're alive and it's spectacular
