Elara bit into the warm cake, and her eyes widened. The blend of buttery dough and sweet, spiced honey melted on her tongue. The flaky, buttery crust was almost like pie crust, but the denseness of it was reminiscent of the elephant ears she often bought at carnivals when they came into town when she was a kid.
"Okay, you're right," Elara said, going for another bite. "This has got to be the best thing I've tasted since I got here. Even in the palace."
Aurelia grinned smugly. "You'll learn not to doubt me, Grand Duchess. I always somehow manage to be right."
The three of them continued eating as they strolled past stalls selling jewelry, pottery, and vibrant silks. Crisseda, who had finished off her honeycake, veered off in the direction of the silks and Elara and Aurelia followed close behind.
