Mix

Maverick // Simply Three

Chapter 8

It is much too early on a Saturday for me to already be this hot. The kitchen is unusually steamy today, but it is my own doing. I've been ambitiously baking extra sweet butter croissants to take to the village tomorrow and the oven has not been given a break. Which means that neither have I. Father has arrived to take over the baking duties. Thankfully I've already finished my secret project.

"Daralis! You look exhausted! I insist that you leave for home at once to rest. I can finish whatever you've started." He chides me. Father and I have a different relationship then he has with Ellete, which I'm sure is normal among fathers and their daughters. While Ellete has him wrapped around his finger, I have an honest bond with him. We work side by side, and I have dutifully stood in his kitchen learning his trade. He doesn't have hearts in his eyes for me in the same way as Ellete, but I feel his love regardless.

"I was just thinking the same thing." I dust off my hands, flour clouding a bit at my apron, and step to the doorway. Leaving my soiled apron hanging and gathering my small basket that holds the remains of my lunch, I wave to Father and tell him I'll be back at the usual hour.

Home is not far. Our house is just outside of the east part of town, still in view of the bakery but closer to other residences. Some merchants live over their shops, but Father wanted a place to retreat. He may love his bakery, but living above such a powerful oven would not be pleasant. The short walk several times each day energizes me.

Except for today.

As I walk, I see in the distance and headed my way, a woman I have no interest in speaking with. And by the look on her face, she has every intention of speaking to me. Mrs. Naimer has made eye contact with me and like a bear to honey she is practically running to intercept me. It's a wonder that after all of these years, she hasn't figured out that I am not the honey. I'm the bee.

"Daralis! It has been so long since I've seen you, always squirreled away in that kitchen." Her voice is loud as she speaks, but she ends her greeting with a sad pout, as if she's feeling sorry for my hard work.

Liar.

"Yes, I spend my time working, rather than chatting my way through town." A little dig in her direction. Sadly, she doesn't bat an eye at my veiled insult.

"Some of us have it harder in this life."

Her response sets my spine straight. I know what's coming next.

"You have never quite recovered from what that mother of yours did." Mrs. Naimer clicks her tongue while shaking her head. She's got a pitiful look on her face.

I'm not fooled. She feels no empathy for what my family has gone through. Her only joy in life is reveling in the suffering of others. And if she can help twist the knife, it's icing on the cake. Rather than take her bait, because she is absolutely baiting me with her remark, I silently, but pointedly, smirk. We both know the game she's playing.

"Darling, you look just dreadful. I hope there is a nap in your future. I'm now headed to your bakery, as a matter of fact, meeting Lord Nicandros so I can properly introduce him to your sweet sister, Ellete." Mrs. Naimer leans in closer, her voice dropping in volume, although she's still practically shouting in my ear. "She's so anxious to meet him, and he to meet her! It's all either of them have talked about!"

As though she's let out the biggest secret in town, Mrs. Naimer gasps and covers her mouth with her gloved hand. Always one for false propriety, Mrs. Naimer is dressed as though she's attending a formal event with the king rather than going to introduce two people in a bakery. Long flowing skirt covered in a bright red brocade and filled out by layers of underskirt. The bodice of her dress cinches at the waist, although Mrs. Naimer's waist is well hidden among the dozens of baked goods she's consumed, courtesy of my father. Her dark hair peppered with grey is piled in a smooth up do, curls trailing at the nape of her neck. Her hat is covered in pale blue feathers, which I think to myself should have been flowers instead, to match her dress.

I, in stark contrast, am wearing my usual work sack dress. No better than a burlap bag storing flour in the back of our kitchen, this dress serves many purposes. I could care less what stains I may absorb while working in this hideous thing. The dress itself is durable, surviving the heat while holding its meager shape under the strain of lifting the aforementioned sacks of flour. Its slim skirt, elbow length sleeves and lack of adornment keep the dress from getting in my way while I work. But the best aspect of this particular garment is that I feel strong while wearing it. This dress attempts to impress no one therefore I do not worry about anyone's opinion of me.

"Well, I can see that you are at a loss for words, so hopeful are you for your sister's future good fortune! I'm off now! Don't want to be late for the big event!"

Suddenly I'm no longer tired. The nap I was heading for is forgotten and I turn on my heels to follow the awful woman to my place of work.

"Actually, I'll join you. I'm as anxious as you are to witness this momentous event." I link my arm with hers, elbow to elbow. I can feel Mrs. Naimer flinch. I've shocked her. Good.

"Oh, well, of course." The excitement is no longer evident in her voice or her steps. She's nervous, with good reason. I have a reputation for making brash statements.

We continue on to the bakery just so, arm in arm, as though we are as close as family. I have an enormous grin on my face, but Mrs. Naimer's can only be described as a grimace. Before long, we come upon the storefront. Mrs. Naimer would never lower herself to enter from the kitchen. And I would never allow her to set foot there, so the storefront it is. Ellete is behind the counter speaking with a customer when she sees us enter together. The look on her face is one I won't soon forget.

Priceless.

"Mrs. Naimer! What a surprise...and Daralis, I thought you were going to rest?" Ellete stammers a little, notably confused seeing the town's two archenemies entering our shop linked together, literally.

"And miss what is bound to be a turning point in all of our lives?" I shake my head as though the notion was that of a small child, silly and thoughtless. Then I turn to Mrs. Naimer with an enormous grin. "Thank you so much for stopping me on my way home, otherwise I wouldn't be present to witness this!"

Mrs. Naimer swallows before speaking, "All in a day's work, dear."

I laugh internally. Ellete is cringing. I watch as she allows an unaffected expression to wash away her worries about my presence. She wouldn't show her true feelings in this setting. It's what I was betting on.

"It sounds like we have a little welcoming party for our newest town resident," she says, smoothing her skirt a bit. As usual, not a curl is out of place nor is a drop of sweat on her brow. The picture of delicate female composure, otherwise known as my polar opposite in every way except one.

Before I can finish my thought, the door to the shop opens behind me, bringing with it a slight rush of air. I feel the breeze flow through my untamed waves, pushing them into my face and swishing my skirts around my ankles. I feel him even before I turn around. In the instant between the opening of the door and my turn to catch his gaze, I sense the heat and energy from his very presence. There's strength deep within him, a power beyond anything physical or tangible in the world. My mouth has dropped open and my eyes have locked on his. Lord Nicandros is staring right back at me. And his eyes hold the same question as my own.

What was that?

What are your thoughts about Mrs. Naimer? Her matchmaking seems to be a hazard! Next week we will see how this introduction goes...any thoughts? I'd once again love for you to ask or comment on anything you think could improve, or any parts unclear. Of course there are still mysteries about some of the plot so there will be questions about that. But if anything else stands out to you, please let me know!

Simply Three - a modern take on the string trio, have become key to this plot. This piece, Maverick, has become my personal theme song for this story. I have several songs by this group slated for the playlist, some original like this, and some covers of other groups.

https://youtu.be/tuGLUze6aSw

One more day for the Not Another Diva $.99 sale! It will still be offered in Kindle Unlimited as well.