Natéa

AO3

The bell rang when the door slid open. Holding the door open, Vali stepped aside to allow his wife to enter. She smiled, latching onto his arm again. Her pink skirts trailed behind them as they made their way up to the register. Both watched the bakery carefully. This was an extremely strange situation they’d been put in, somehow being forced to visit a town bakery in another world. Both were tense, outmost confused over what was going on. The Author said she wanted to do a character study, whatever that meant.

Nonetheless, he smiled politely as the human behind the register greeted them, asking if they needed any help. Ignored their confused stare, which was frankly rude. In fact, everyone in the shop’s eyes were on them. It was understandable; their clothing was quite the contrast from theirs. Most of all, it was actually decent. There were so many adults wearing shorts and short skirts in here you’d think it was a brothel rather than a downtown bakery. Vali had to resist the urge to wrinkle his nose.

At his right, Wyela was studying the pastries. Her eyes were bright. His mouth curled into a soft smile as he studied her. How was his family so lucky? His parents’ arranged marriage had been filled with joy, his sister married the love of her life, and his wife of convenience was a gift. Placing his free hand on her growing stomach, Vali felt like laughing. He didn’t, though. Appearance was everything.

“Look at all the cakes, love,” Wyela said, gesturing toward the desk. “Isn’t it wonderful? It’s almost like a royal supper. Just accessible to everyone.”

He nodded, deciding on a delicious-looking ‘raspberry cheesecake’ as the label read. The runes were strange, but the Author had promised them to be able to understand the language of this world. ‘Swedish’, she had called it. Her language. Apparently, she hadn’t been lying. “It is. Do you know what you want, dearest?”

She did, and they gave their orders. The human was pleasant enough, even if they seemed unable to stop goggling at the medals at his chest. His attire was one of his more casual military uniforms, although still fit for civilized company. They ordered coffee as well, which was odd that they had here. Such an expensive drink, this far away from the warmer continents. Nevertheless, they seemed to have boundless amounts, judging by the menu.

When the human held up a tray, but made no move to leave the desk, he blinked. What? They seemed awkward after a few moments, yet did nothing. Finally, Wyela whispered, “I think you’re supposed to take it.”

Oh. When he did, the human’s shoulders sank. Their smile relaxed. Apparently he was. Vali frowned. Mother, he, the Prince of Beobyra, carrying a tray like a servant? Disgrace. He stepped back, though. Suddenly the human’s eyes fell on his wife’s stomach, and they smiled. “Is it your first child?”

At the mention, his frown disappeared. Instead he smiled, letting go off the tray with one hand to squeeze Wyela’s hand. His entire body felt warm as she giggled, shaking her head. Squeezing back, she placed her other hand on the bump. “No, our third, actually. Hopefully not last, either.”

The human blinked, apparently surprised, but their smile remained. “Well, congratulations. I wish you luck. And enjoy your fika, sit wherever you want.”

They nodded in thanks, making their way over to a corner. Wyela’s hooves clicked against the floor. In the corner, the wall was one big window, with a church right on the other side of the street. Truly, it was nowhere near as impressive as the temples at home. Vali put the tray down before helping Wyela into the couch along the wall. Her movements were beginning to get quite restricted by her pregnancy. He was lucky she wasn’t like his sister. Rahil had been forced to stand a lot of complaining both times Erika was pregnant. He’d taken it well, though. Been very supportive. Vali had to admit he was impressed. After growing up with her, he knew perfectly well of difficult their queen could be when unhappy. To be honest, it was first when seeing how sweetly he handled Erika when she was pregnant with Vinter he’d fully accepted his sister’s choice of husband and welcomed him into the family. Wyela, on the other hand, enjoyed pregnancy. Said it gave her a cosy feeling.

Taking a piece of his cake, his eyes widened. It was so sweet. A grin grew on his face as he let it melt in his mouth. Mother, he loved sugar. It was a weakness of his. Wyela chuckled, taking a spoonful of her own as she reached out to place her hand on his. “Enjoying yourself, Vali?”

“Despite the strangeness of this place,” he replied, braiding their fingers together, “yes, I do. The cake is marvellous, and you’re here.”