38 Let them eat cake...

"Do you want to order?... I heard they have the best honey molted cake here? " Ailwin's melodious voice spoke, as his mouth took a break from eating long enough for him to knowledge his older half brother.

"Ailwin, you know why I'm here and it's not to eat cake."

"Well...even if you're not going to have some I will. Please bring me one of your honey molted cakes." Ailwin said to the waiting staff as he let them take away his empty plates.

Not able to hold his impatience at bay. Thallan words left his mouth before the doors fully shut behind the servers.

"Ailwin, who's side are you on?... First brother's or mine."

"Neither. You sure you don't want some cake?"

"Ailwin, you have to choose sides. Unless you are going after the throne yourself." The hidden threat in Thallan question didn't escape Ailwin notice. If he was to go for the throne, his brothers would quickly join hands to kill him. Before going back at each other's throats.

"You can rest assure I'm not after the throne, Thallan." Ailwin stared straight into Thallian's eyes as he said that. Letting Thallan know that he will not stay for any, hidden or otherwise threats thrown his way.

Recognizing the conversation got away from him momentarily; Thallan calmed himself before approaching the topic again.

"Ailwin...you cannot sit on the sidelines when the kingdom is in jeopardy."

"Thallan, the kingdom is not in jeopardy, your inheritance is. "Ailwin smirked at Thallian's exaggeration of false dangers.

Unable to control his temper at Ailwin smirking defiance. Thallan felt his angry bring his powers bubbling to the surface of his skin. Seeping them slowly towards Ailwin, Thallan thought to secretly test his brother's strength.

"My men are responsible for the safety of the people of Inay. Not for yours and first brother's chess game. My answer is still going to be no, brother."Ailwin allowed his power to meet Thallian's at the end of his words.

Ailwin had long felt Thallian's power touch him. Not minding to play his brother's little game. Ailwin let his power clash with Thallian's. After a short time, the third prince's guards grew worried when they saw neither one backing down.

Only holding on for a little while longer against his brother, Ailwin pulled back his power giving Thallan the win. Thallan who was a little worst for wear against Ailwin's strength was relieved his brother couldn't last a little longer against him. Happy seeing their master win the battle, Thallian's guards sneered in Ailwin's direction.

Releasing only a fifth of his power, Ailwin now knew where all of his brothers' strengths were at.

This past week he has been meeting each of his brothers. Each one trying to convince him to give his army to their cause. Using the same tactics as Thallan, his elder brothers let him check their strengths unknowingly as they sought to control him through force.

"Brother...why don't we continue this conversation another time. " Giving his brother an excuse to leave after his win. Thallan willing took the helping hand.

"Yes...We'll continue this conversation at another time." Swiftly leaving the room just as quickly as he came. Ailwin was once again by himself.

"Well, that was fun...Hey! Didn't I order a honey molted cake?" Ailwin opened the door to look for his server.

_____

"Saavi, you sure you don't want any?..." The cake was placed between both of them.

Mika had seen that Saavi hadn't finished her food yet. So being the well-mannered lady she was, she waited for Saavi to finish eating before digging into the cake. Looking at Saavi stuffed expression she knew Saavi didn't have any more space for cake, but it never hurts to ask.

Just as her fork was about to touch the cake, a server arrived at their table.

"Excuse me misses, but would you mind giving this cake to another patron?" The server looked like she was willing to get down on her knees for the cake.

"No."

Not even bothering to ask why the server would seek such a thing from them. Mika outright denied the waitress.

Expecting the beautiful young miss would hear her out, the server was left speechless. They had two princes upstairs, one ordered pacifically for their famous honey molted cake. Unfortunately, today was a busy day and they ran out. Looking among the tables, we saw these two young misses had not touched theirs. Quick to save the cake the server ask for this favor, without thinking that she would get refused before she was even able to explain.

Just before the server could beg the young miss, a voice interrupted her.

"Excuse me, I'm still waiting on my honey molted cake..." The melodious voice froze the waitress in her place. "Excuse me, miss?"

Turning around to face Ailwin. The waitress who stood unmoving just a second ago started babbling with teary eyes, leaving Ailwin confused.

The manager see the commotion his wait staff was causing to one of their VIP guests. Running over to explain the circumstances.

"So, this is the last honey molted cake?..." The manager nodded his head as Ailwin pointed his finger in Mika's cake direction. "....easy...no need to cry," Ailwin assured the eatery staff.

"Hey, kid... My name is Ailwin Qinvyre. Let me buy this cake from you." Ailwin, who was already looking at his wristwatch to transfer the credits over. Didn't see Mika's expression turn when someone mention taking her food.

"No."

"What!?..." Ailwin, the manager nor the waitress expected Mika to still deny Ailwin the cake after hearing his name.

Looking down at the little Fae. Ailwin guesses she was too young to know his identity.

"Do you know who I am?" Mika shook her head in reply. Happy he guessed right Ailwin leaned down and whisper his identity to Mika and Saavi.

"I'm the fifth prince of Kaia. Now can I have the cake?" Ailwin didn't like using these types of tactics to get his way, but he has been looking forward to this cake all day.

"Ohh...so it's the fifth prince." Mika looked at the smiling young man in front of her.

Saavi knew something didn't seem right with her young miss eyes, she was up to something.

Mika picks up the plate. "You want this cake?..." Nodding his head, Ailwin held out his hand for the plate.

Before his hand could touch the side of the plate, it was pulled back. Mika bought the plate to her mouth. Sticking out her tongue; Mika licked the entire surface of the cake. Right under Ailwin's outraged eyes.

"Better luck next time..."