Chapter Text
Burning Spice didn't show up for their next painting session. Or in the markets. Or literally anywhere in The Golden Cheese Kingdom.
How dare he stand her up! And how dare he not show his face after such a lovely session. Does he not know how lucky he was to gaze upon her like thar?!
So of course she promptly went to Burning Spice's quaint abode to confront him. It is a long walk so she excused him for a day, two at most. But after that? He had no excuses.
Smoked Cheese politely told her to just forget him. She did not heed his advice…
Reaching his hut after hours of walking she doesn't take a moment to rest before banging on his front door. “Burning Spice opens this door this instant!” She shouts, positively fuming. “You have some nerve ghosting me!”
When she got no answer from him she continued banging on the door until finally. Someone opens it. Nutmeg squints at her Radiance, tail flicking behind her clearly annoyed.
“Haii Nutmeg sweetie~” Golden Cheese gives the tiger cub a strained smile. “Mind getting your Baba for me I need to talk to him.”
The kid slammed the door in her face with little hesitation. She takes too much after her father… More knocking and yelling didn't work so she circled the house.
Searching for any other way in, luck strikes when she finds a cracked window. And promptly climbs her way inside, which was.. Unpleasant. Never again.
Planting her hands on her hips she scowls down at the man far too big for the couch he's laying on. Face buried in the cushions while his daughter squinted at Her Radiance and made biscuits in Burning Spice's hair. No doubt tangling it.
“Burning Spice…” His antennae twitch, he turns his head enough to scowl at her.
“How did you get in.” He grumbles, not in the mood for her antics.
“That's irrelevant.” She waves him off, “Now how come you ghosted me?”
“You cannot be serious…”
“Oh I am. Now what is going on? For the entire time I've known you, you've been hiding something! And I want to know.” She crosses her arms, watching him groan.
Careful to not accidentally crush Nutmeg Tiger as he sits up. Though she did hiss at him as how dare he disturb her.
“I have told you hundreds of times, it's none of your business.” He rises from the couch aiming to toss her out. But she's a slippery bugger.
“It is my business! You are one of my loyal subjects, and as you are mine. What weighs on you also weighs on me!” She argues, ducking under his arms making him slam into the wall.
Normally, he loves her ingenuity and fast thinking while sparring. But right now he wishes she wouldn't use that and her size against him!
“For the last time I am not one of your citizens!” He manages to grab her, holding her tightly to his chest while she kicks, shouts, and squirms.
“Yes you are! Just because you do not live in the Golden Cheese Kingdom you are still one of mine!” She continues. Yanking one of his antennae before he can throw her out.
Inciting the pair to continue their tussle outside. Shouting and trading blows until Golden Cheese took an accidental hit to the crown. A bright light blinding poor Spice in the process as her own vision went black. The last thing she hears being his pained shouting.
…
Dark Cacao felt like shit… Remind him to not let Hollyberry convince him to drink again..
His dress shirt was partly unbuttoned and untucked from his slacks. Tight hung loosely from his neck, patting the spot in front of him he only found the edge of the bed. Rolling onto his back with a grunt, finding his beloved wasn't beside him.
Pushing himself up he stumbles to adjoining bathroom, searching for something to placate his migraine and nausea until he can get to either Mystic Flour or Pure Vanilla.
He's not particularly bothered by his dear not being there, it wasn't unusual for them to be up and gone before the other. If he didn't have an early meeting she'd let him sleep in when she slips off for her own shift. He does the same for her when able.
Not to mention, they're among friends. So she probably opted to let him sleep off as much of his hangover as he could. Which was appreciated..
After some digging he finally scrounges up a bottle of Tylenol. Better than nothing.. Cupping some tap water he takes the painkillers then sets off to get out of his dress clothes.
He wouldn't exactly be surprised if Golden Cheese had planned out many, many activities for them all during this stay. But he promised to take Mystic Flour out on their own and let her explore.
The longer they've been together the more of her past she's divulged. She remembers very little from her life before being taken in by the Ivory Pagoda. And had very little opportunity to slip away, usually only getting to explore on The Ivory Pagoda’s grounds. Even when she was permitted to travel, it was under strict supervision.
Partly explained some of her more adventurous wants… Not that he isn't more than happy to indulge her! Just.. Who knew a lady raised in such a place would be so… Ahem. Freaky…
Back when Dark Cacao was a teen himself, Golden Cheese loved dragging around during visits. Resigning himself to carrying all her bags…
But there were many lovely spots around here.. He believes there's a few traditional tea places here and there. Perhaps she would enjoy one of those? Wait a minute-
Peaking from the guest room, he waves over one of Golden Cheese's servants. Requesting one of those travel / attraction brochures and a marker. Taking the opportunity with his time alone to look for anything and everything Mystic Flour would potentially like to visit.
After a while after many internal debates, he narrowed down the fat pamphlet down a little when Golden Cheese barged in. Albeit somewhat quietly for his hangover. Thankfully.
“Good, you're awake! I was worried you'd sleep the entire day.” She plants herself right besides him on the bed. Promptly getting into his business, taking the pamphlet from him to look over his choices.
“I have been for a bit.. But I wanted to take advantage of being momentarily alone too.. Potentially plan something…” He admits quietly.
Golden Cheese’s head snaps to him, “Plan something? Without me? For shame, Dark Cacao, now what are we planning~?” She grins.
He sighs, leaning over and digging through one of his bags. Eventually pulling out the small ring box containing the ring. Her Radiance’s eyes widen the moment she spots it.
“I.. Wow.” She refolds the pamphlet, setting it in her lap. Taking the box from him, looking it over. “I knew you loved her, but I honestly didn't expect for you to.. You know?” She spares him a brief glance before opening the box before swiftly closing it. Looking at him wide eyed. “Is this what I think it is?”
Dark Cacao clears his throat, nodding slowly. “It is.. Father insisted…” He shifts nervously.
Who would receive his mother's rings when she passed was an oddly difficult thing to decide. In the end, his Father put her wedding ring on a chain. One which he still wears today along with his own wedding ring. Sometimes he debated combining them but never went through on planning it.
Her engagement ring too, ended up remaining in his father's care for a time. For safe keeping, until it was formally bequeathed to him. Most of his late Mother's jewelry remains in her husband's care. As expected really.
When they were all young, the late Queen showed Golden Cheese her humble collection upon learning of her love for such things. Both came from rather humble backgrounds… Goldie adored her. Honestly all his friends did.
He can't help but wish she could be here right now.. To have gotten a chance to meet Mystic Flour. To have gifted the ring to him herself or just.. Anything.
“Oh Cacao…” Golden Cheese pulls her dear friend into a hug. Rubbing his back, understanding all too well the weight of this. “Mystic Flour is incredibly lucky to receive such a thing from you.” Momentarily dropping her audaciousness to show her genuine care and support for someone she loves so Indescribably.
After what felt like an eternity she pulls away, “I think I know the perfect place.” She picks up the marker once more, writing on a blank space on the pamphlet an address. “It's a bit of a hole in the wall kinda place. But an absolute treasure.”
He takes the brochure from her, giving her a look. “Right..”
“Oh don't give me that look!” She huffs, “Look I'll distract her so you can go down and get a gander. If you like it enough it'll give you enough time to make a reservation. Just let me know when and I'll set up an extra special surprise for you both when you get back~”
Feeling his face warm he bops her with the brochure, “Fine. But please refrain from anything too crazy…” He warns, knowing she will not listen.
“No promises~” She giggles.
…
It was a bit difficult to read Golden Cheese's eloquent handwriting. But eventually he found the place, it really was a hole in the wall place. Tucked away from bright and glimmering streets was a small tea shop. The walls held hand painted murals all over them.
Some of long, windy dragons. Others are mountains with pretty cherry trees dotted along the top. It was styled in this older painterly style. It was really beautiful.
There wasn't anyone at the front when he entered, a simple call from a woman that she'll be there in a moment was all he got. So, while awkwardly waiting by the front desk he got a good look around.
It was very different from the rest of the city.. So, quaint, and peaceful..
Hobbling to the front was an older woman, pale skin with snow white hair. She reminded him a little of his beloved soon to hopefully be fiance. Just several decades older.
“Hello Dearie, what can I do for you…?” She queries, fixing her round glasses on her nose.
“Ah yes” he coughs, pushing away that strange familiarity. “My friend recommended this place to me. I'm planning to propose to my partner soon…” Dark Cacao admits, turning his head downwards in a poor attempt to hide his blush.
“Oh!” The older woman smiles, “Well I don't believe we've ever had someone come here for that before. Come in, Dearie.” She motions him to follow her.
Stiffly he does, the dining section is humble but inviting. A sweet little place that reminds him of his late Halmeoni on his Mother's side. She loved doting on him as her only grandchild..
He always was well fed and oftentimes sleepy after each visit. Perhaps she leaned far too much into the stereotypical Grandmother.. Not that he's complaining, kid him loved it, she even made him more bitter things upon learning about his dislike of sweets.
She sits him at a table, briefly stepping out to retrieve a menu along with a pen and paper. Handing him the menu she smiles at him.
“Would you like anything special done for the occasion..? While it's just me and my niece here, we are more than happy to prepare something in advance.” She chuckles softly.
“Oh, I wouldn't wish to trouble you..”
“No, no we're more than happy too.” She reassures him, gently patting his hand.
He sighs, flipping the menu over to look at the various desserts. Interestingly, many of the dishes felt vaguely familiar.. “How about these Egg Tarts? My Love, introduced these to one of my chiefs recently. Among other traditional treats.”
The older woman's brows raise, “Introduced? Is she from Beast-Yeast?”
“Hmm? Yes she is, why?” He furrows his brows, mildly concerned.
“Ah, that makes sense.” She chuckles, “These dishes are traditional around the Ivory Pagoda. I brought many of the recipes with me when I immigrated here twenty something years ago..” She smiles thoughtfully.
“I see, my dear came to my Kingdom almost two years ago, give or take.. Though I suppose that explains why this place is so familiar. She's been introducing me to parts of her culture over time.” Dark Cacao sighs fondly, if it weren't for those bastards still being there. He might've taken her there, he knows she misses parts of her old home from time to time. Well, of course parts of it.
Witches she's so cute when she tells him about random happy tidbits from her old life.. Or when teaching him about her culture, what he wouldn't give to see that smile forever..
“Oh how delightful! I'll be sure to make all my best traditional dishes. Perhaps I'll make some mooncakes or an osmanthus cake!” She beams, eagerly writing down with trembling hands her ideas.
Dark Cacao nearly protested, but upon seeing the older woman's enthusiasm he didn't. It's not like he doesn't have the financial means to pay her properly anyway. Not to mention, it was nice to see someone so happy. So he decided to allow her to have her fun.
Giving input where needed, such as tea preferences and little details here and there. The place was never too terribly busy. Apparently that was why Golden Cheese would come by from time to time. To get away from the noise of the world around her. After all, even she needs some quiet time too.
She loved the peaceful atmosphere. Explains why she recommended the place so specifically.. He doesn't even think she knows Mystic Flour is from Beast-Yeast, unless she told her during her Radiance's visit…
Doesn't matter, this place being quiet and humble was perfect. Neither of them were very showy or anything. Sometimes more intimate for this was just what he wanted.
A date was set for them to prepare everything, he handed her the payment early for security. Then set off back to the castle feeling nervous, but excited for what was to come.
Led to the room the rest of the ground was hanging out in he's greeted by his beloved. Little hesitation is given when she grabs him by the face and smooches him.
“There you are!” she exclaims when they part, “I was wondering where you ran off too.” She playfully wiggles him by the nose.
He can't help but smile, pulling her hand away from his face to kiss her again. “I was just looking for some places to take you later..”
She gasps softly, “Oh you naughty man.. Not whisking me away to do that with me.” Mystic Flour hits him softly on the chest.
He snorts, leaning down to whisper. “Later..” Like they're genuinely planning them running away together.
She can't help her giggles, allowing him to herd her back to the couch she'd previously been sitting at. Joining the rest of the group in what they were discussing.
Things felt almost unreal, here he was, she was! The woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.. A beautiful, kind, and gentle woman, who deserved the world.
And he'll do everything in his power to make her the happiest woman on Earthbread.
…
Something felt.. Strange. Golden Cheese’s back hurt so much she could have sworn it was broken. Groaning her eyes blink open, a reasonably high ceiling above her. She is not in her castle…
It's dark, the only light in the hut being various candles and lanterns around the room. Unsurprisingly there's no electricity, this place literally just appeared. And she doubts any of the lines make it out this far.. She'll deal with that later…
She pushes herself up, finding the position on her stomach far too uncomfortable. Only to feel something heavy against her. She was, incredibly confused…
Checking her back she finds something interesting. She'd grown wings! Awkward at first she flexes one of them, they're a bit bloody and dull from that muddyness. But with some care they'll be beautiful, she's sure.
Flexing both wings curiously, unsure where they came from but she's not complaining.. When she went to touch them she found her hands too looked different. Much sharper with early signs of feathers poked through her skin on the back of her hand and forearm.
Pulling her away from her discoveries the small hut's door opened. Burning Spice entered holding a heavy basin of water. Most likely from the nearby river.
He pauses when he sees her awake. Nearly dropping the basin before running to her. “Oh thank the Witches you're alive…” She's taken aback when he pulls her into a tight embrace. “I was so worried I had killed you too..” He all but wheeps.
Golden Cheese wasn't sure how to respond, for once left speechless. A very uncommon phenomenon for her. “I'm sorry, killed me too??”
Burning Spice pulls back, looking mortified. “Nothing-”
“Oh don't you nothing me! You've been dodging every single question I ask you, I have had it!” She shouts. Ignoring him when he tries to quiet her down. “You are going to tell me what is going on or so help m-”
“Okay, okay! Just be quiet. Nutmegs asleep…” He grumbles, after some more coaxing she finally calms down. Resting back on her stomach, watching Burning Spice as he washes the blood and muck from her new wings.
They remained in silence for a long while, she can practically feel his anxiety with each motion. Golden Cheese was almost tempted to prompt him again but elected to give him the time.
“I'm not too sure where to start…” He admits, mouth feeling impossibly dry. “I suppose.. I could start with the beginning. Or as close to the beginning it can be.. He takes a deep breath, and begins. “Back when I was a boy, I received a blessing from The Witches. And I wasn't the only one..” He grumbles.
“You were Blessed? Thats an incredible thing.” Golden Cheese interjects.
“It was more like a curse.” He growls, “I lost everything…” As his story went one, the more she understood just why he called his blessings a curse.
And why he didn't want to tell her.
She felt sick at the retelling of his childhood, and a growing hatered. By the time he got to what brought him here, her new wings were clean. Sparkling gold feathers practically glowed in the night. Little trace of the blood that was once on them aside from the now murky basin.
She pulled the man down beside her on the couch. Running her new talons through his hair as he continued.
“After.. Mystic Flour escaped, everything got worse.. They got worse… And I couldn't take it anymore.” He hisses through his teeth, choked up. “Then… The bastard threatened Nutmeg and I don't know what happened.” He sobs, “Next thing I knew they were.. Dead and it was my hands that had claimed them.”
His breath had grown shaky at the difficult confession, giving her much needed context to his earlier distress. It was, a hard thing to hear. All of it was honestly. Truthfully, she understood some of the pain.
“Spice… I.. I understand why you didn't want to tell me this. But I don't want you to dwell on that horrid man any longer.” She takes his chin, making him meet her gaze. “They stole you from your home when you were a child for something out of your control.”
Golden Cheese's voice remained firm and steady, even if she too, wanted to cry. He needs her right now, and she'll be damned if she won't help him. “That does not even factor in the years of physical, and emotional abuse you endured. And words cannot even begin to describe how I loath that man. To say…” She takes a deep breath, calming herself a little. “While doing that is a.. You know.. Unfortunate, sometimes.. That is the only way to get away from someone like that…”
Or, at the very least, one of the few ways to someone in that situation. And it getting to such a boiling point.. It's so devastating.
“I-” He starts and she promptly Shushes him.
“Burning Spice, please.. You and Nutmeg are safe now.. And frankly, thats what matters more to me right now.” She pulls his head to rest against his chest.
He just lays there for a moment before wrapping himself around her. And.. Just cries… She cradled his head, carding her new talons through his long hair once more. He takes a while to settle down.
Eventually his sobs quiet down into intermittental hiccups filling silence of the hut.
There were, a lot of revolutions tonight. “You know, I wasn't born a Royal myself.” She speaks softly.
“Really? You certainly act like a spoiled Princess.” He grumbles into her chest.
“Oh you are so funny! But no. I wasn't. In fact, I too was once very poor. No family nor coin to my name, until the stone set into my crown tore up my makeshift home.” She sighs, feeling a little nostalgic. “I never would have guessed the Witches were blessing me.”
She chuckles, shaking her head. “I thought it was just some meteorite, so I kept it. My first ever treasure.. And sometime after it came into my possession, The current King, my adoptive father. Found me.” Her cheek comes to rest against Burning Spice's head. “Some say he took me in out of pity. I like to think he did because of my ingenuity!”
He scoffs, Golden Cheese could practically feel his eye roll. “Of course you do.”
“Hush, I'm talking.” Burning Spice smiles into her chest with begrudging fondness. “And without it, I don't know where I'd be. To say, while those horrible excuses for leaders took advantage of your blessings. At the end of the day, they're your blessings. And no one else's..”
Burning Spice hums, “Yeah.. They are…” He quietly agrees. He can barely believe that there's more than him and his fellow virtues that are blessed.
What does this mean? Her blessing is very visually similar to his own.. And he's unsure how he feels about the implications.
…
Pure Vanilla helped him with his outfit in place of the ladies. Who decided to occupy themselves with Mystic Flour, not that she knows why this is so important. But with how pushy most of the group can be, he doubts she suspects anything too much…
“You'll do great, Cacao.” The shepherd reassures his friend.
“I just worry..” His face finds his palms, he knows he can't let his nerves overwhelm him before they even get to the place!
“I understand your worry my friend, but getting your knickers all up in a twist won't do you any good.” He pats Dark Cacao on the back reassuringly.
The Prince’s face peaks from his hands to glare at his old friend. Who only smiles back. “That boy you dated back at the Academy has done irreparable damage that still ripples today.”
“I'm afraid I was always like this, compared to Golden Cheese and Hollyberry I'm tame.” He shakes his head mock solemnly.
“Oh I know, I just like teasing you for your yearning.” He slaps Pure Vanilla on the back, causing him to stumble forward.
It'd been a couple days of him fighting with his own nerves. After Golden Cheese found out, the others of course found out soon after. All aside from Mystic Flour of course..
She'd asked if he was alright a few times, but he reassured her each time he was alright. Steeling his nerves, the pair step out to the front of the Golden Castle. Meeting up with the other four.
And by the Witches, Mystic Flour looked incredible..
She'd always looked beautiful with color, stunning even. It complicated her well, a deep blue sparkly dress with a lighter blue cross wrapping over her dress with sheen sleeves. Hair tied up in a loose curly bun, the hair pin he got her all that time ago stabbed right in it. Among other jewelry she most likely was lent by Golden Cheese.
“Would any of you mind telling me what's going on here?” She eyes everyone suspiciously as she moves to stand by Dark Cacao’s side. “I feel like there's something no one's telling me.. It's not my birthday.. Nor is it our anniversary..”
Everyone exchanges looks, the looks on their faces add more to her suspicions. “Nothing dear, am I not allowed to take you out?” Dark Cacao wraps an arm around her, pulling her along.
“That's not what I'm saying.. It merely feels as if I am missing something.” She frowns, stepping into the carriage. Dark Cacao right behind her.
Casting a firm, warning look behind him at their friends. He sits across from her as he answers. “I'm sorry, love. I, and the others don't mean to make you feel that way.” He smiles at her, expression full of nothing but love. “They merely decided to help a little with a certain surprise.”
Mystic Flour's eyes widen momentarily, “Is that so?” She tilts her head, growing mischievous. “And what may this surprise be?”
Trying to play it cool, despite his nerves. He looks out the carriage window, “You'll have to wait and see.. It is supposed to be a surprise after all.”
“You are so cruel…” He snorts at her deadpan.
“You'll love it, I promise.” He feels like he's not just reassuring her, but also himself..
…
Mystic Flour felt a mixture of confused and excited. Dark Cacao has been a bit more nervous lately, he's always had his moments. Especially back when he first started to pursue her.
But there was something different about it this time.. She just couldn't put her finger on it.
Anticipation only grew when the carriage finally came to a stop. Her Prince guided her past a lot of big places and eventually to this cute little place tucked between some big extravagant buildings.
She couldn't believe her eyes when they stepped inside. The beautiful murals of the Pea Bao orchard, the familiar architecture..
“Is this…?” She glances at Dark Cacao, tears forming in her eyes.
“It is, and it's authentic. The owner immigrated here a few decades ago from there. So not only do I doubt she knows, but all the recipes are completely authen-” He's unable to finish when she practically jumps him. Crushing him in a hug.
“Oh Cacao! You're the sweetest man ever…” She leans up to give him a very thankful kiss.
Snaking his arms around her he smiles down at her, “Golden Cheese helped me find it. So unfortunately I cannot take all the credit.”
“Regardless, this is incredible. Thank you.” They meet in another quick kiss before Dark Cacao taps the bell at the front.
Instead of the older woman Dark Cacao had made the arrangements with. Her niece came up front, a girl in her late teens. Her face flashed slightly when she saw Mystic Flour. But neither thought much of it honestly.
Finding The Prince's name in the reservation book they're seated and told that their food would be out shortly. There was a few other people this time, but it was dinner time so that's to be expected.
Mystic Flour felt her excitement grow upon hearing that. “You didn't…” She squints at him.
“I might've.” He responds coyly.
“You.” She points at him, “Are so getting it later..” She threatens. Making him choke.
Tugging on his collar, face feeling very hot he sputters. “N-Noted…”
Eventually, food from her old home was piled onto the table. She felt like she was in heaven! She did like the food at the Dark Cacao Kingdom, but she misses the dishes from Beast-Yeast.
Honestly she laments not having any recipes for any dishes from other parts of Beast-Yeast. Although she doubts any Cacaoians could even come close to handling the shear amount of Spice, Spice land food has. She can only tolerate it because she's been eating it sense she was a child. Poor Dark Cacao would probably cry after the first bite… Maybe even before that.
Speaking of Dark Cacao, he's never had most of these dishes. Mystic Flour was all to happy to teach him about each one. Even occasionally reaching over the table to feed him something.
Seeing her so happy like this made his heart swell, her old home was and probably will still be a touchy subject for her for awhile. But if he could help her with the things she did love and misses from there. Then he will.
Not to mention she was eating, eating! Like actually eating. For a long time, she'd poke at her food. It had taken so long to get her to finish at least half her plate. Healing was a very difficult process, he had an inkling of how hard this would be when he decided to pursue her.
There was still a lot of things that would take a long time to heal. And he was prepared to take on that burden with her..
“I see you two are enjoying the food.” The pair’s attention was brought to the older women Dark Cacao had spoken to previously.
“Oh we are!” Mystic Flour beams, “I can't remember the last time I had most of these foods.” Her hand comes to rest on her cheek.
The old woman smiles, “I see. Your partner here told me you were from Beast-Yeast like myself. And I just couldn't help myself when it came to preparing things.” She chuckles, a hint of familiarity in her eyes. “Mind telling me your name Dearie?”
Mystic Flour hums, it's not like anyone back in Beast-Yeast knew her real name publicly outside of a very select few people. “It's Mystic Flour.”
“What a beautiful name.. I had a niece named that once. She looked a bit like me, well when I was younger anyway.” The older woman reached out, and pats The Prophet on her shoulder. “Regardless, thank you for coming by Dearie.”
“Oh of course, if it's alright. Could I get the recipes? I only remember so many from back home, and I'd love to introduce more to my and Dark Cacao’s Kingdom.” She gestures at Dark Cacao and hers, “If not I completely understand.”
The woman looked pleasantly surprised, “Oh I would love too! Spread the wonders of these culinary delights all you'd like.. I'll have those ready for you before you leave.”
“Thank you.” Mystic Flour smiles at the sweet woman as she stalks off to the back. Hand over her heart, feeling an odd sense of familiarity.
The whole night was so impossibly lovely, and honestly she didn't think it could get any better. She felt so warm and fuzzy throughout the rest of the dinner. Happy to get to taste food she missed, and getting to share more of it with her beloved.
Any leftovers were packed up and now they were simply waiting on getting those recipes.
Dark Cacao felt all his nerves, “My Love?” He speaks up quietly.
She hums, “Yes Dear?” She looks over, finding her Prince very noticeably sweating. “Oh.. Are you alright?”
He clears his throat, reaching into his cloak. “Yes just um, I would like to ask you something.. If that's alright.”
“Al-Always…?” She feels very confused. At least until he produces a small box from his cloak. She felt like she couldn't breathe when she realized what it was. Witches, it feels like she's about to cry all over again!
“Mystic Flour, words couldn't even begin to describe my love for you..” He begins, his nervousness palpable. “Will you give me the greatest honor by marry me?” He swallows hard, the world in that moment felt like it froze.
She couldn't stop her tears, nodding slowly at first, then vehemently. “Yes…” She croaks out, giving him a wave of relief.
Taking her hand he slips on what was once his mother's ring onto The Prophet's fingers. Moving to her side of the table to hold her while she admires the ring. “It's so pretty…” She whispers, dabbing at her tears with her sleeve.
“It's.. A very important ring… It um. It was my Mother's, if that's alright.” He mumbles.
That gets her crying all over again much to his distress. “It is? Oh Cacao you didn't have to…” She's getting all choked up, “This is so sweet. Thank you for trusting me with it, and for all of this. I just…” She wipes away her tears, taking a deep breath as she lightly fans herself.
“I am… So lucky..” She trails off, truly at a loss for words. This all felt so, insane to her..
It feels like it wasn't all that long ago she was organized to marry Silent Salt. That she wouldn't be getting the opportunity to find her, in this case literal, Prince Charming. Now she's engaged to someone, this time because she wanted to be!
Cuddled into his side the lovely older woman hands her the recipe cards before they leave just as she said she would. Which Mystic Flour was endlessly thankful for. Just before they leave her niece runs up and stops the pair.
“I'm so sorry, but if you two can come back here sometime before you leave. Would that be alright?” She pleads, hands clasped together as she looks at Mystic Flour.
The newly engaged couple exchanged glances, “I don't see why not.” Mystic Flour smiles politely, honestly she really wouldn't mind eating her again. “Although is there a particular reason for this request?”
The girl shifts nervously, “You just.. I…” Struggling to find her words, “I think.. There is something I want to talk to you about. So please, before you two leave do you think you could stop by again?”
After a bit of thought, she smiles “I promise we'll stop by again..” Mystic Flour reaches out, resting her hand on the young lady's shoulder. Giving her a small, reassuring squeeze. Before finally leaving the quant little place. Feeling a little confused, but incredibly overjoyed.
…
Of course, they were excited to show off and all. But mostly, they wanted to enjoy one another's company alone for a little while.
However, their room was not how they left it.. Rose petals on the bed, candles lit, wine and other treats. Among many, many other things for the pair.
Dark Cacao got so flustered he shouted down the hall Golden Cheese's name. Hearing some cackling in response.
“I told her not to go too crazy…” He grumbles, face burning from embarrassment.
Mystic Flour picked up one of the petals on the bed, nearly as flustered as her fiance. “Well you know her, it must be over the top. Or it's not enough.” She laughs.
Curiously peeking at the contents in some gift bags left around the room. Closing some near immediately. Oh my.. Very thoughtful but wow.
Clearing her throat she holds up a very cute and soft robe she's found. “Well, I suppose it would be rude to not enjoy ourselves a little?” She smiles, playfully showing off how the robe might look on her.
Dark Cacao chokes, fumbling for the doorknob, locking it. “I suppose so…”