Who: Adam & Savannah What: A simple conversation Where: The bakery When: This afternoon Warnings: a bit of implied violence Status: complete gdoc
Life as a prince was generally boring and Adam tried to avoid his royal duties as often as possible, much to the chagrin of his advisors. Over the years, he had discovered many ways out of the castle and used them frequently to go out and explore the village. It was easy enough to disguise himself since very few of the townsfolk were afforded the privilege of meeting the prince, something he advocated to change to no avail.
He thought he would be a much more effective ruler if he was among his people and could better understand their needs. At least once a week, he tried to slip out and visit some of the businesses, sometimes more frequently if he didn’t have too many meetings and other obligations.
One of his favorite places to visit was the bakery. The young woman who ran it was rather charming and if it were entirely up to him, he would be courting her. Naturally, that wouldn’t fly with anyone who had influence over him. Today, he managed to get there and he patiently waited his turn.
* Savannah technically didn’t own the bakery. Her father did. But, he learned quickly to leave the day-to-day running of the business to his rather savvy daughter. Everyone thought of her as a dutiful daughter, because she made sure that’s what people noticed. At night, as the town slept, she crept out of her room and house to practice witchcraft.
Her baked goods were made with literal love. Savannah added a dash of a love potion to every baked good, enough to keep repeat customers, and maybe be a little open to the possibility of love.
She brushed her flour covered hand across her forehead, and smiled at the next customer. Baguettes and bread were ordered and a moment later her favourite customer appeared, although Savannah would never say so. “What can I get you today?” The bakery mostly emptied and she leaned across the counter long enough to kiss him on the cheek. Anything else crossed boundaries which might put her honour at stake. She did wish to marry some day.
When Adam was out and about among the people, he only ever used the shortened version of his name, which he preferred, and luckily, no one had managed to connect Adam with Prince Adamus of Madisdonia.
He grinned at Savannah’s greeting and refrained from doing anything more than briefly resting his hand on her shoulder so he didn’t risk her virtue. “What’s the specialty today?” he asked. “I can never choose among your delicious wares.”
Savannah stepped away, and turned towards the offerings before her eyes fell on a new cake she created. A part of her wondered why Adam visited often, but never went past friendly chitchat. A small part of her had hoped he’d court her, but alas.
“I made a honey cake that I also soaked in rose water, plus a berry pudding.” Savannah knew she should stick to baking things her neighbours could afford, but her creativity rarely allowed her to do so. It helped that nobles sent their servants to frequent her shop.
“I set aside a loaf of bread in case you showed up today.”
“You take such good care of me,” Adam said, giving her a warm smile. “I’ll take both.” He had to be careful when he was in the village that he didn’t spend too much money and attract unwanted attention, but he couldn’t help himself when it came to the bakery. Not only was the food amazing, he wanted to support the beautiful young woman who did the baking. He was aware that her father owned the business, as it wouldn’t be fitting for a woman to do such a thing, but he was also aware that her father was largely hands off and allowed her to make the decisions, something that clearly worked for them.
Adam didn’t understand why women were seen as incapable by so many. In his experience, they were equally, if not more, capable than a lot of the men he’d met. Especially those of so called noble birth.
Savannah forced herself to not stop, aware of how his words affected her and that smile of his. Adam could undo almost anyone with his smile. She certainly thought of it long after his departure.
“Well, I certainly can’t let you return to your house empty-handed, since you support my father’s business.” Like most others who could afford her more expensive baked goods, the secret witch assumed Adam purchased the goods for the lord of his house.
Her assumption was technically correct since Adam purchased the goods for himself and he was the lord of his house. Prince. Whatever. “You also wouldn’t want to condemn a man to starvation,” he teased. “You’re far too kind to allow someone to suffer that fate.”
It was a never ending source of frustration for him that his advisors kept throwing other royals and nobles at him in an effort to secure a marriage that would boost their political power. None of the vapid princesses and ladies could hold a handle to this simple baker’s daughter.
Savannah laughed. “Only to those who don’t annoy me,” she teased. Oh how she wished they could get married. Alas. As he’d made no move, she finally told her father it was time to arrange a marriage for her.
A marriage which would most likely curtail her freedom, but not quite yet. Savannah valued her freedom above all else, but she knew a husband would come with some security.
Adam smiled. “I’m honored to know I don’t annoy you. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to find another bakery.” The rules of their society were ridiculous and unfair and if it was up to him, he would change it all. Unfortunately, not even the prince had that much power.
“The honey cake, the loaf of bread, and perhaps a muffin if you have any with blueberries,” he said. Luckily, there were no other customers in the shop at the moment, something he did he best to make happen. The more people that heard and saw him, the higher the chance he would be unmasked.
“You should feel honoured. I don’t say such things to everyone.” Savannah offered him one of her more genuine smiles.
The witch gathered up all of the requested items. “No muffins, but I did make scones with blueberries if you’d like?” she asked. Savannah waited for the reply, and heard the door open. One of her less favourite customers entered, but she kept her face neutral.
“A scone is almost as good as a muffin,” Adam said. She was so beautiful when she smiled like that and he’d noticed that it wasn’t the way she smiled at every customer. “Give me two.”
When the door opened, he glanced over his shoulder, not recognizing the other patron. He did notice that Savannah’s smile had faded into a more neutral expression though and it made him frown. If there was a chance this customer was going to cause her problems, he wasn’t going anywhere.
Savannah nodded at Adam and turned to pack up the scones. Of course she smiled differently for him. While the secret witch might be in love with Adam, she definitely didn’t plan on letting him know.
“Hello Savannah,” the newcomer, a neighbour of hers, leered at her. Savannah didn’t react. She returned her attention to Adam. “I do hope you enjoy the scones.”
Pulling out his coin purse, Adam handed her enough to cover the scones, the bread, the cake, and a little extra. As he handed it to her, he let his hand brush against hers for a brief moment, his fingers giving hers a tiny squeeze. “I’m sure I will,” he said, pulling his hand back and giving her a nod.
He stepped aside so the newcomer could make his order. When he realized the other man was waiting for him to leave, he frowned, but said, “I’ll see you soon,” and opened the door so he could leave. Except when he got outside and closed the door behind him, he didn’t go anywhere, just stood there and listened.
Savannah managed to not shiver at the touch and nodded. “Thank you for your patronage.” Her eyes followed him as he left, before she turned to the newcomer.
She hadn’t minded Zachariah when they were little and played together. But when she became of marriageable age he began to treat her differently. As though she already belonged to him.
“What? No smile for me? No finger brush? You prefer someone who does not care for you at all?” Savannah packed up his usual order not responding and turned back to him. “I refuse to marry you. Needling reminds me why I made this decision.”
A mistake she realized too late as his hand grabbed her wrist too tightly and she cried out, unintentionally.
The moment he heard the cry, Adam burst through the door, having tucked his purchases in a safe spot outside. “Unhand the lady,” he said, using his booming prince voice. “Now.” He may not have a sword with him, but he wouldn’t hesitate to get physical if it was necessary to protect Savannah.
On the plus side, she hadn’t been alone. And he’d shown up before Savannah used magic and outed herself.
On the minus side? Her former friend apparently did not possess a brain. “You?” He laughed and grew serious. Savannah rolled her eyes. “Zachariah? Go home. Take your bread and leave.” She’d gotten used to his ways and usually he’d leave her alone for a few days after he got his point across.
Adam stepped right into the other man’s space. He had a few inches of height on him and looked down, his eyes cold and serious. “Leave. And don’t ever return.” As soon as he got back to the castle, he would be ordering a guard to keep an eye on the bakery for the foreseeable future. Discreetly.
After meeting Adam’s eyes, the defiance faded from Zachariah’s expression. “Fine,” he grumbled. “But you can’t stop me from coming back.” He grabbed his bread and stormed out without paying for it.
“Are you okay?” Adam asked, his eyes softening now that there was no threat.
Savannah sounded rather exhausted. “Nothing I haven’t experienced before. We used to be friends, but then he turned into.” Savannah gestured towards the man who left. “He seems certain we’ll marry, but I don’t want a marriage like his parents. Perhaps that’s wrong of me, but I want a marriage where I like the person at least.”
“Thank you.” She sighed and stared at one of her loaves. In her head she cast a spell, one to keep her neighbour away for the next week.
“That isn’t wrong at all,” Adam said. “It’s the kind of marriage I would like as well.” And one that he was unlikely to get unless he could change some minds. He was tired of the vapid and power hungry princesses and ladies that were constantly thrown his way, most of whom were incapable of holding a decent conversation.
He reached out and touched her shoulder. “Did he hurt you?”
She kept her expression neutral even if a part of her wanted to ask, then why not me?. No, Savannah wouldn’t put those words on him, especially not after his act. “Perhaps we’ll both get our wishes.”
At the question, she shrugged. “I’m used to it. I’ll be fine. I should probably inform my father, but I don’t want him doing something regrettable.” Savannah didn’t meet Adam’s gaze. “One day maybe I’ll learn to keep my mouth shut, but that’s never been a strength of mine.”
If it was Adam’s choice, it would be her. Unfortunately, being a prince meant his life was not always his own. “You shouldn’t have to be used to that sort of thing,” he said. “Please tell your father.” He didn’t want anything worse to happen to her. Even if he couldn’t court her like he wanted, he would do what he could to take care of her.
“And I, for one, don’t think you should have to censor yourself.” Women should be able to speak their minds the same as a man as far as he was concerned.
“Perhaps. I would say the same about most women.” Savannah kept her voice completely neutral. Walls might have ears. “I appreciate it. I will.” She worried her father might hurt Zachariah, in case the town turned on Kristof.
“I wish more felt the same as you, Adam.” Savannah helped herself to one of the scones she set aside for herself.
Adam gave her a sad smile. “As do I, Savannah.” He wanted to say more, wanted to take her in his arms, but knew he couldn’t. “I’ll take my leave now. Take care of yourself.” He dropped a few more coins on the counter, quietly, and then exited the shop again, stopping to recover his goods before heading back to the castle.