Alex helped Chloe bring out a silver tray from one of the cabinets and brought it to the slab. Placing the cookie and tea on top, Chloe glanced at Alex and the boy followed her as she stepped out of the kitchen.
Indeed Lady Malhauk had waited for quite some time but she didn't mouth a word of complain...well yet and especially not after seeing Chloe's son. She smiled at both of them, this one brighter than the former. "You're back...the cookies already smell delicious"
Chloe was slightly taken aback but smiled as the lady did not find its strange appearance appalling. "Thank you, I am pleased you like them" she placed the tray down and stepped aside.
Lady Malhauk held the cup, blew and took a sip. "It tastes amazing" she smiled and did not notice the small frown on the boy's face who found the lady's behavior to be quite strange.
Chole though was elated, not because of the compliment but because the lady did not find new foods terrible to try.
Lady Malhauk's gaze then shifted to the boy and she took another sip before placing the cup down. "Is he your son?"
"Yes Milady"
"Good day Lady Malhauk" Alex bowed with a neutral expression.
Lady Malhauk smiled and turned away like she lost interest which was good, Chloe thought.
"So the cake?" Lady Malhauk said slowly.
"I will make sure your party is remembered for years" Chloe said with glee as she was unable to contain her happiness.
"I will take your word for it" the Lady nodded and stood up from her chair, eating only two cookies on the plate. "If it is as nice as your cookie then I have nothing to fear. Walk with me"
Chloe complied, sending Alex back to the kitchen, and walked Lady Malhauk out of the shop.
"I'm curious to know who built your shop" Lady Malhauk probed.
"My grandfather gifted it to me before he died" Chloe said with a solemn expression.
"Then forgive my intrusion" Lady Malhauk said and gestured at the guard who was standing close to the carriage door. He entered the carriage and returned with a pouch which he headed to the lady.
Lady Malhauk then gave the pouch to Chloe and from the weight she could tell it was a huge sum. To show her appreciation she smiled sweetly. "Thank you Milady, I won't disappoint you"
"I'm sure you won't" said the lady before entering the carriage and rode away. With its departure, came the gossipy neighbors to find out why a can't carriage had stopped by the village and in front of Chloe's shop.
"Was that a nobleman?" many of them whispered amongst themselves and Chloe just smiled before opening the doors to the shop. Her lovely son had already filled up the glass on the counter with parties and newly baked bread to the side.
As the shop was officially opened for the day, people started walking in, and while many of them came to have breakfast others used to opportunity to chat. Some of the villagers couldn't read and so not all could use the menu but by going to the counter they could choose whatever they wanted from the glass cabinet and Chloe had to attend to them but first, she needed to check on Alex who was in the kitchen all by himself.
"Feeling okay?" Chloe walked up from behind him but the boy remained unstartled.
"I'm done with the cupcakes" Alex turned to look at her with a wide smile. "And I was extra fast today, finished arranging things before you came back"
"Yes, yes, my Alex is the best. Come help me outside"
Alex nodded and washed his hand before following Chloe out. While she made him stand behind the counter on a stool, she went out around to those who had decided what to have from the menu.
"Isn't this strawberry juice too costly, 15 bronze coins" a woman whom Chloe knew as Mrs Borris called out.
"There's tea and other juice on the menu" another woman sitting opposite her retorted and instead turned to Chloe. "Just the regular and pack up some bread, the kids love it"
"Will do Mrs. Willow" Chloe nodded and turned to the other woman. "What would you like Mrs Borris?"
"Pancakes are the only things I dare buy" Mrs Borris scoffed but Chloe did not mind her behavior and only sighed inwardly as you cannot expect everyone to be like you.
"I'll be back in five minutes"
Within a few minutes, there were none who came to the counter so Alex used the opportunity to help take the orders. From those who came for a quick breakfast, then came lunch those for dinner are always few as Chloe got off work earlier than the rest and today she had to close up even earlier.
"Looks like the order is a big one?" Alex said as he watched his mum close up.
"True, Lord Malhauk holds a grand celebration for his birthday, and in addition to us baking the special cake we are guests" Chole explained and released the key from the lock and then with a swift movement placed it in her pocket. "Let me see your eyes"
Alex raised his head and widened his head for her inspection. "I heated a pack from the fridge" he smile to calm his mother.
"Those are for emergencies remember, didn't you say fresh blood taste the best?" Chloe shook her head while Alex's smile widened.
"It does but you're still tired from yesterday"
Chloe stared at the boy and could not hold back the smile that made its way through her lips and then kissed his forehead. "I'm fine"
Alex did not say anything and kept his thoughts hidden behind his bright eyes. "Did we close up early to meet Mr. Miller?"
"Sugar cost a fortune and we need a lot for the cake...even those I don't know what to make yet" Chloe trailed. "Any way we can start making sketches the moment we get home"