"Say, aah," Yiren cooed, plucking a delicate snack from the tray and holding it to Xuefeng's lips, her eyes alight with playful mischief.
Xuefeng sighed, shifting his gaze to the door where the Queen was surely still waiting for them. "Shouldn't we stop playing and get ready? Your mother's expecting us."
Yiren waved off his concern, utterly unbothered. "We're not done yet. She can wait if she wants to come along. Now, open up."
Xuefeng hesitated, then relented with an exasperated exhale. "Fine… Aah." He opened his mouth, and Yiren happily popped the bite-sized treat inside. He chewed slowly, savoring the burst of flavor—a subtle mixture of sweet and earthy notes, layered with something light and crisp. He had to admit, elven food was growing on him.
"They're good," he admitted, swallowing. "Think your mother made them?"
Yiren bit into a snack of her own and nodded. "Mhmm. Only my aunt and mother know how to make these."
