Well Beyond

18

The crisp morning air greeted me as I stepped out of the castle and into the bustling streets of the kingdom. I navigated through the cobblestone pathways, savoring the invigorating chill that marked the start of the weekend. The sun cast a gentle warmth over everything, and a pleasant buzz of activity filled the air.

I approached the quaint coffee shop Emma had suggested, its charming façade and flower-lined windows creating an inviting atmosphere. The bell above the door chimed as I entered, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloping me.

Emma was already there, seated at a corner table by the window. Her dark brown curls framed her face, and she wore a pair of stylish glasses that accentuated her thoughtful expression. She was dressed in a deep green dress with intricate patterns. I can't help but wonder what she would look like without the dress. I shake the thought away quickly. 

"Hey, Em!" I called out, waving as I walked over.

She looked up, her face lighting up with a bright smile. "Cordelia! Over here!"

I slid into the seat opposite her, and we exchanged warm greetings. Emma's excitement was palpable as she eagerly gestured toward the menu. 

"I ordered us a couple of lattes and some pastries to start. I hope you like almond croissants! They are my favorite."

"I'm sure I will," I replied with a grin. "You seem to have a knack for picking out the best treats."

We chatted animatedly as we waited for our drinks. Emma's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she recounted tales from her classes and her passion for baking. Her excitement was infectious, and I found myself drawn into her world of culinary delights.

"Tell me more about your favorite recipes," I prompted, curious about the secrets behind her magical baking skills.

Emma's face lit up with delight. "Oh, there are so many! But I'd have to say, my ultimate favorite, besides croissants, is a rich chocolate tart with a hint of sea salt. It's decadent but somehow balanced. And the crust—it's all about the texture, you know?"

I nodded, fascinated. "That sounds incredible. I'll have to try making it myself sometime."

"I'd be happy to give you the recipe. It's a bit of a labor of love, but totally worth it." She laughed softly, tucking a curl behind her ear.

Our coffee and croissants arrived, and the rich aroma filled the air. Emma poured a splash of honey into her latte, swirling it with a practiced hand. I admired the way she moved with such grace and confidence. 

"One of my favorites to make is peach cobbler," I said, reaching for the honey on the table. "I always dress it with a drizzle of honey."

"Sounds amazing. I'd love to try it sometime." Emma's eyes sparkled with interest.

I nodded, pouring a generous amount of honey over my croissant before passing the jar back to her. 

"It's a bit of a comfort food for me. Do you have any plans for after the program? You finish soon, right?"

Emma took a thoughtful sip of her tea, her gaze drifting out the window. "I do, actually. I'd love to work for the King."

"And why is that?" I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Emma chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes.

"I'm just really interested in the guy, you know? Plus, he's a total hottie. Nothing like a little eye candy at work," she comments. I laughed, the sound warm and genuine.

"Yeah, he is."

Emma leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I heard he throws these crazy parties, and I totally want to sneak into the next one."