After a well-deserved rest, I left the cloaked figures to lament their fate in peace. I had my fun, and honestly, I wasn't cruel enough to push them further. Besides, there were more important matters at hand like snacks.
Mara and Elira, fully supportive of my decision, flanked me as we made our way toward the royal kitchens. Smaug, ever my enthusiastic partner in crime, followed with a content rumble.
[ A truly noble pursuit. ]
"Exactly," I muttered, pushing open the doors.
The scent of freshly baked pastries, spiced meats, and sugared fruits filled the air, an instant improvement to my day.
Mara grinned. "Shall we raid the kitchen, my lady?"
Elira sighed. "It's not raiding if they're giving it to us willingly."
"It's about the spirit of it, Elira."
With that, I turned my attention fully to the grand selection of delicacies before me.
Of course, I had no idea that elsewhere in the castle, my parents had absolutely no intention of being as merciful as I was.
