I picked up another honey-glazed pastry.
Inside my mind, Nero spoke again.
[Host.]
Yes?
[It seems this is more than just heroine luck and likability.]
I slowly took a bite of the pastry, letting the sweet honey melt across my tongue.
Yes.
I had already come to the same conclusion.
If it were merely luck or charm, it would not affect someone like the queen so strongly. The queen had ruled beside the king for decades. She was not easily swayed.
Yet Ophelia's presence seemed to bend people toward her wishes.
Nero spoke again.
[Host.]
Yes?
[If this turns out to be mind control I would like to formally say I called it first.]
You call everything first.
[History will remember me.]
I ignored him and reached for the last pastry on the tray. The queen did the same, her earlier worry now mostly hidden behind her usual warm smile.
"This one is almond," she said cheerfully.
I took a bite.
The pastry crumbled delicately, releasing the rich flavor of roasted almonds and cream.
