[Meredith].
"Rise," Draven said calmly.
The cooks stepped forward and placed the tray carefully on the table between us. This time, I didn't need to lean forward to know the difference.
The candies were nothing like the first batch. They were shaped into little flowers, moons, animals, and stars. Soft pastel colours caught the light—creamy ivory, peach, pale green, gentle rose. Then the faint scent of milk and fruit lingered pleasantly in the air.
I reached for one slowly, and Dennis, of course, beat me to it.
"Oh no, you don't," I said sharply as his fingers darted forward.
He froze mid-reach, then grinned. "I was just… inspecting."
Draven shot him a look. "Just behave and sit."
Dennis sighed dramatically and leaned back again, folding his arms.
Then, I picked up a candy and tasted it. The sweetness was balanced. The milk softened it. The fruit flavour came after, light and natural.
I nodded once. Then again. "These," I said clearly, looking at the cooks, "are acceptable."
