THE NEXT MORNING
Aeliana and Lucian ventured into the busy marketplaceof the Elven Kingdom to visit Sweet-Sprout Confectionaries, abackery famous for its scruptious and delectable cakes. The interior is draped with leaf-green and white decor, with its stained-glass windows that smells of newly backed cakes and freshly-sprinkled powdered sugar and the aroma of inviting scent of sugar, spices, vanilla and cinnamon.
As they entered, they werer greeted by the head baker, Mary Erisleth, a meticulous elf with an apron flour-dusted hand and to their surprise, even her—face is covered.
"Welcome to Sweet-Sprout Confectionaries, Your Highnesses," she said, bowing slightly. "I understand you're here to select a centerpiece for your grand event?"
"Is this a bad time?" Aeliana
"Absolutely not, your grace. Though I have been quite busy in the kitchen whipping up some new recipes, but what can I help you with, Your Highnesses?"
Aeliana nodded eagerly. "Yes, a three-tier cake that embodies the union of our two opposing worlds."
Marith clapped her hands, summoning her assistants, who wheeled out three stunning cakes for the couple to sample.
Its tiers painted in soft gradients of lavender and pale silver, dotted with edible sugar blossoms that glowed faintly under the light.
"It's… pleasant," he said, his tone indifferent. "But perhaps a bit too subtle for the occasion."
Aeliana agreed. "It's beautiful, but it feels more suited for a small, quiet gathering."
The second cake immediately caught their attention. The cake was air-brushed with soft gradients of lavender purple and pale silver, dotted with edible sugar blossoms that gave the cake more body and sheen. They were greeted with the taste of lavender-infused sponge layered with honey and white chocolate ganache.
"This one feels… perfect," she murmured.
Lucian nodded in agreement, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "It's bold, balanced, and unforgettable."
This last cake was a pastel masterpiece. Tiers adorned in watercolor-like swirls pink, blue and cream with accents of spun sugar candy sculptures that resembled cotton candy clouds.
Its flavor peeked through: a light almond sponge paired with layers of raspberry mousse and rosewater buttercream.
"It's delightful," Aeliana said, though her tone was less enthusiastic.
Lucian shrugged. "Too whimsical. We're announcing an alliance, not hosting a fairy garden tea party."
After deliberating, the second cake was the clear winner. As Marith began explaining customization options, Lucian smirked mischievously, dipping his finger into a side of frosting of the cake. Without warning, he dabbed it on Aeliana's nose.
"Hey—!" She gasped 'What the—'
She felt playful, and also smeared a douse of cream across his cheek.
Lucian blinked in mock surprise before laughing.
A polite cough interrupted their antics. Marith stood nearby, her expression poised but her raised eyebrow betraying her amusement. "I trust the cake has been decided, Your Highnesses?"
Both of them straightened up, their cheeks flushing faintly. "Yes," Aeliana said, brushing off her nose. "The second cake."
"An excellent choice," Marith replied smoothly. "Shall we discuss the topper?"
The couple agreed on customized figurines to resemble them—Aeliana in her chosen gown, and Lucian in his tailored suit. The manager estimated the cost at 800 green gems, a currency used for fine goods in the kingdom. Lucian handed over the payment at the counter without a second thought.
As they exited the shop, their carriage awaited to escort them back to the palace. Aeliana leaned back against the plush seat, smiling softly. "I can't believe you started a food fight in an elven bakery."
Lucian chuckled, brushing a bit of cream off his collar. "I couldn't resist. Besides, you retaliated just as fiercely."
"Fair point," she conceded, laughing as the carriage began its journey back to the Elven Kingdom.
As the carriage rocked gently along the cobblestone road back to the Elven Kingdom, Lucian leaned back against the seat, an exaggerated sigh escaping his lips.
"I need to go back to my castle," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. His crimson eyes looked toward the distant horizon, a faint longing in his expression. "I'm homesick, Aeliana. The ambiance of dark stone halls, the faint hum of arcane wards—it's… comforting."
Aeliana shot him a playful yet stern look. "Absolutely not."
Lucian sat up straighter, his brows arching in mock indignation. "What do you mean, 'absolutely not'? I'm the Demon Lord, and I should be able to—"
"You're also my fiancé," Aeliana interrupted, crossing her arms. "And as your future queen, I'm telling you we have somewhere else to be." She paused, her tone softening slightly. "The venue is near the borderlands between Demon Lands and the Light Forest, remember? We can't use magic portals there. The borderlands' ancient wards prohibit them for security reasons."
Lucian groaned theatrically, leaning his head back. "So you're telling me we're stuck traveling by carriage for hours?"
"Days," Aeliana corrected with a sly smile. "Which is why we'll stop at an inn along the way to rest."
Lucian raised an eyebrow. "An inn? Are you telling me the Demon Lord is going to sleep in some mortal roadside hovel?"
"It's not just any inn," Aeliana replied, feigning offense. "It's the Velris Hearth Inn—a highly regarded establishment on the borderlands. Even nobles stay there when traveling between realms."
Lucian gave her a skeptical look, but didn't argue further. "Fine," he muttered. "But if there are rats or lumpy beds, I'm summoning Malion to rescue me."
Aeliana laughed. "You'll survive, Lucian. I've stayed there before, and it's lovely."
"Welcome to the Twilight Hearth Inn, Your Highnesses! It's an honor to have you here."
Its interior is a strong and resilent wooden structure with its rustic charm and simple elegance. It is built from weathered gray stone and dark oak, adorned with glowing lanterns, and has a bit of algae moss in its exterior that adds to its aesthetic.
Lucian followed, his sharp gaze taking in the surroundings. He gave a small nod of approval. "It's… acceptable," he muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.
Rowan chuckled. "High praise from a Demon Lord, I'm sure. Your suite is ready—the Starlight Chamber. Our finest accommodations."
....
Inside the Twilight Hearth Inn
"Not bad," he admitted, glancing at Aeliana. "But it's still not my castle."
Aeliana rolled her eyes, setting down her travel bag. "You'll survive one night, Lucian."
He smirked, leaning casually against the doorframe. "And if I don't?"
She shook her head, smiling. "Then I'll personally build a statue in your honor. Now, stop pouting and get ready for dinner. We still have a journey ahead of us."
Lucian chuckled, straightening up. "As you wish, Princess. But for the record, this still doesn't count as home."
Aeliana laughed softly. "It doesn't have to. It's just a stop on the way to something much bigger."