The city was still alive and the time did not stop around me as I pulled out of his vision. I knew he didn’t mean harm with his request. He was doing it to protect me.

Alright, Theo. I responded to him. I hoped he knew I wasn’t mad at him. I just didn’t know what to do with the rest of my day.

I know you aren’t mad.

I couldn’t help but smile at his response. Always checking on me aren’t you?

If I didn’t, then I want you to start to question everything.

I laughed, noted.

I let our communication fall silent so he could focus on work and I, well reality. I suppose I will just go back to the castle for now. I stood up, brushed off the dirt off the back of my dress and walked back to the castle.

It took about ten minutes to get back and I was welcomed with the overwhelming sensation of baked cake. My mouth began to water and made my stomach grumble.

“Cake…” I said as I quickly changed my path from my room to the kitchen.

I was welcomed with a surprise of about ten freshly baked cakes laid out on the kitchen table. “What’s this Roland?” I questioned him as I stared at the marvelous ray of cakes. Red Velvet, Dark Chocolate, Vanilla…god he was going to make me gain ten pounds.

Easy Maria, I don’t need you going into a food coma now.

Death by sweets. At least it will be a happy death.

Pace yourself. You may make yourself sick.

I got you for that. These look delicious!

I could feel his facepalm, thankfully I have a spell for that.

See, I knew I could count on you.

“So, Roland, the cakes?” I glanced at Roland who had just pulled out cake number elven out of the oven.

“A request from Marcel. Something about a cake testing for the wedding?”

I was very conflicted. Concerned that Marcel was actually stepping up to plan the wedding. However, sweets are my weakness as they bring me comfort and joy.

“Don’t worry, he didn’t touch them. Though, I don’t know why he requested a dozen cakes?”

I shrugged, “I'm just surprised he is stepping up. I, however, can not eat all of these alone. Let me see if I can’t get Theo in here to eat them with me. You will taste them too, right?”

“If you want me to, yes.”

“Of course! You do so much for Theo and I. It’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you. I have one more to finish up and they will be ready. Good luck getting him down here, he hates sweets.”

“I’ll think of something.”

Théoden?

I’m not cake tasting wedding cakes for Marcel and your wedding.

Please? If you don’t I will have to eat them all by myself.

Fine…give me five minutes.

Thank you dear.

“He’s coming.” I told Roland.

With a surprised look Roland responded, “really? I am surprised that you got him to come. Considering that they are for a wedding that isn’t his.”

“Please, he will do anything for me. Especially if it keeps me safe.”

“Safe? How can cake harm you?”

“If I eat too much I may get sick.”

“Ah, I see what you did there.”

“Yup! If it concerns my safety, it’ll get him every time.”

“You’re lucky I love you Maria.” Théoden said as he entered the kitchen a moment later. He didn’t seem too pleased with me but hey, he was here.

“And I appreciate you being here.” I smiled as he took off a few pieces of his armor and laid them against the wall.

“Why so many cakes?” Théoden asked the very same question I had.

“Marcel’s request.” Roland said as he placed the last cake on the cooling tray.

“Of course..” Théoden grumbled. Yeah, he was not happy with this at all. “Let’s just get this over with so I can go back to work.”

I nodded and handed him a fork, “we will take a couple bites of each then discuss which one we liked best.”

He nodded in agreement, sorry for being rude Maria but…

I know Théoden, I know.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

I’m trying. He was hurting, that I knew.

I know you are dear. It’s alright.

The cake testing was bringing out a bit of jealousy and hurt. That I knew. I hated doing this to him but I didn’t want to go through this alone.

I appreciate you being here with me.

He nodded and we waited for Roland to plate the first three cakes for all three of us and began to taste test them.

The first one. A delicious dark chocolate with a moose filling in the middle. The second, red velvet with cream cheese frosting. The third a rich creamy vanilla with buttercream frosting. All three, delicious.

The first of this batch was a chocolate and vanilla swirl - this was a combination of the dark chocolate with the creamy vanilla. This one has to be my favorite so far.

I didn’t mind the red velvet. The chocolate and vanilla were too sweet for me.

That one was delicious. The cream cheese frosting in the middle was my favorite part.

Of course that would be your favorite part.

Don’t judge.

Wouldn’t dream of it.

The fifth cake was a chocolate cake with cookie crumble in between layers. Not really a wedding vibe but it was still delirious. The sixth one was a sprinkle cake that had sprinkles baked in. Again, good but it did not feel like a wedding cake.

After we tasted the first six we took a break before we tasted the last six. “So, which ones does everyone like?” Roland questioned.

“Fourth one for me. It combined both the vanilla and chocolate well.”

Theo shook his head, “red velvet was my favorite. The others were a bit too rich for my taste.”

“I’m not surprised by that. The only sweet thing you like is Maria.” Roland pointed out. I mean he wasn’t wrong.

“And that is all the sweets I need.” Theo responded.

“Aw…” I said as I felt my face flush red. Yeah, Theo could still make me blush to this day.

“What about you Roland? What one was your favorite?” Théoden asked him.

“Simple, vanilla. Shall we get this cake testing finished?” Roland asked as he began to cut the next three cakes.

“Definitely!” I said happily.

Once plated I began to taste the next chocolate one. This one had a cherry filling with actual cherry pieces in it. The eighth one was a vanilla cake with a crunchy filling. The ninth one was vanilla with a berry filling.

He then handed us the last three. The tenth one was a chocolate cake with a peanut butter filling. This one was towards the top of my list for sure as the peanut butter was rich and creamy. The eleventh one was a strawberry shortcake. Delicious but not for a wedding. The final cake was a carrot cake made with fresh carrots and cinnamon.

“Well?” Roland questioned as we all dropped our forks on our plate.

“I did enjoy the chocolate and peanut butter one.”

“To my surprise that one was not that bad. I enjoyed the cherry one despite it being chocolate. The berry one wasn’t that bad either.” Théoden surprised us both with having more than one favorite flavor of cake.

“The fruit ones are always a favorite of mine as well. Gives you a treat while keeping it a bit healthy.” Roland agreed with Theo.

“Please, sweets don’t necessarily need to be healthy.”

“It’s just refreshing.” Théoden said, “it gives it a nice natural flavor.”

“I suppose you are right.” I caved. “Don’t get me wrong I didn’t hate those but I preferred the ones with a creamy texture.”

“Fair enough, it is your wedding, which ones would you like?” Roland questioned.

I felt a wave of uneasiness through the bond. The mention of the wedding did not go over well with Theo.

“The chocolate and vanilla one from the first six. Chocolate and peanut butter from the second six. And let’s do a berry one.”

Roland nodded, “good choice Maria. I will place the rest of these in the cooler.”

“Thanks Roland.”

I’m sorry Théoden.

It’s alright Maria. I’m sorry for being this way.

No, I get it. I understand.

“I have to get back to duty and you should probably rest a bit Maria.” Théoden said as he stood up and collected the bits of his armor that he had taken off.

I nodded in agreement. “I first will stop by Marcel’s room and thank him for stepping up.”

Théoden narrowed his eyes at the sound of his name, “use caution Maria.”

“As always.”

As soon as he left I walked up stairs and down the long corridor to Marcel’s room. Knocked three times on his door and waited for him to open it.

“Hello there darling, how can I assist you today?” Marcel questioned as he leaned against his door frame.

“I just wanted to thank you for the cake.”

He smiled, “glad you enjoyed them. What did you settle on?”

“We are having three cakes. Chocolate and vanilla swirl, chocolate with peanut butter, and a berry filling one.”

“Sounds delicious, like you.” He said with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes, “please.”

“No, seriously.”

“Whatever. Just thank you for stepping up and helping with the wedding.”

“Anytime dear.” He reached for my hand which I refused to give to him. “I feel like I deserve something sweet too.” Marcel spoke and looked deeply into my eyes, I could sense a bit of magic wash over me.

As soon as the sensation settled on me, I felt the urge to give him a kiss on the lips. Which he leaned in casually and kissed me. As soon as his lips met mine, my mind snapped back into reality as the magic somehow faded. I pulled back quickly and slapped him. “What the hell?”

“Can I not kiss you?” He questioned me, confused.

“You did something!” I shouted at him. The feeling I had just then, was all his doing. I just knew it.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No, you wanted it.” Marcel snarked, “I have to get back to work. I’ll see you around dear.”

He slammed the door on my face leaving me to question everything.

What the hell just happened? I had no control!

It felt like mind manipulation. I told you to be careful.

I was! I have no idea how that happened. I cried.

It took effect when he looked at you. I tried to take it away before anything happened, but his magic is strong Maria.

Taking a deep breath and releasing it I found myself calming down. Thank you for helping Theo.

I just wish there was more I could have done.

You did your best.

Thanks, I have to get back to work Maria. For safety, will you go to your room for the rest of the day?

Of course. And Theo, I am sorry.

For what? You did nothing wrong.

I am sorry for the situation we find ourselves in. I hate it.

It’s alright Maria, it is not your fault.

But I feel like it is affecting us.

It isn’t. I promise you that.

Thanks, I needed to hear that.

Anytime love. Just know that no matter what happens I love you.

And I love you Théoden.

I felt him leave the conversation as I made it back to my room in one piece. I locked my bedroom door and curled up in a ball on my bed and closed my eyes.

Théoden, I want you to know that no matter what I love you. I always will.

With that I let the tears fall as I cried myself to sleep.