After I met with the Emperor, I was walking back to my room when I discovered Andelbert pacing just outside the palace.

“I am a nervous wreck. What if the King doesn’t like my bread?” Andelbert said the second he saw me.

“He will. Don’t worry. I just met with the Emperor, and he said your bread was the best he had ever eaten.”

“He remembered me?”

“I think he remembered your bread more than you, but the effect is the same.”

“And he is not mad that we deceived the King?”

“Not at all. In fact, the Emperor told the King.”

“What?! I’m going to die.”

“You are not going to die. The King found it amusing.”

“Truthfully?”

“I swear it.”

“Well, that is one weight off my shoulders. But what if the King hates my bread?”

“I cannot imagine it. Has anyone ever?”

Andelbert thought about it.

“Well, no. But there is always a first.”

“You worry too much. How are you and Maria getting on?”

“Ah! She has agreed to show me the village of Versaille tomorrow.”

“Well done. You are far more successful in romance than I.”

“I am not so sure. I am romancing a girl who lives in France and will likely break my heart.”

“Regardless, you must pursue her, or you will regret it for the rest of your life.”

“I wish I had your determination. All I know is, I think about Maria all the time. Except when I am thinking about disappointing the King.”

I laughed and said, “You are a bundle of nerves. Let’s go get something to eat before you have to go bake bread. Do you need help baking? I am happy to assist you.”

“That would be most welcome. Perhaps you can keep me calm.”

“I doubt it, but I will try.”

Later that evening, Andelbert and I prepared to dine with the King for the sampling of Andelbert’s bread. Andelbert was still nervous despite all of my reassurances. When we arrived a the banquet hall, Lafayette was there to greet us.

“My friends! I am so glad to see you. And excited to see the King’s reaction to your bread, Andelbert,” Lafayette said.

“I believe I am going to be ill,” Andelbert replied.

Lafayette laughed, placed his hands on Andelbert’s shoulders, and said, “Ease your mind, my friend. I know for a fact that the King has rarely met a loaf of bread he didn’t enjoy. If yours is as good as the rumors say, I am sure you will only increase your popularity with the King.”

“I hope you are right.”

“Of course, I am. I am the Marquis de Lafayette. I am never wrong.”

After the obligatory rounds of gossip, we all took our seats at the table. The King entered and said his usual greeting, “My guests. I welcome you. Shall we dine?”

“As you will, Your Highness,” was the response from everyone.

“Tonight we have a special treat. Or so I am assured. We will be sampling the bread of Monsieur Blastfurnace, the brother of Baron Blastfurnace.”

I thought I saw a glint in the King’s eye as he spoke the untruth about Andelbert. As if he was enjoying being a part of the ruse.

There was applause throughout the hall. Immediately, servants entered with the loaves of bread. They were sliced and served to all. All eyes turned to the King, as he would be the first to sample Andelbert’s bread. He took a portion of the bread and placed it in his mouth. As he chewed, a look of great delight came across his face.

“Monsieur Blastfurnace, you are a genius. This is the most flavorful bread I have ever tasted. You must teach my bakers how to prepare it, first thing tomorrow morning. I am eager to have more.”

“It would be my great honor and privilege, Your Majesty,” Andelbert replied.

“My friends, enjoy!” The King said, and everyone eagerly sampled the bread set before them.

There was universal praise for the bread, and it seemed genuine. Andelbert looked relieved and started to enjoy himself.

After dinner and the necessary acceptance of compliments, Andelbert and I headed back to our rooms. On the way, we were met by Maria.

“Good evening, Baron.”

“Good evening, Maria,” I replied.

“How did you fare?” Maria asked Andelbert.

“Better than I could have imagined. The King loved the bread and ordered me to teach the royal bakers how to bake it.”

“No doubt, they will love that,” Maria said sarcastically.

“Perhaps not, but it is an order from the King. What can they do?”

“Only their duty. Well done, Andelbert. I am happy for you.”

“I am afraid it will affect our plans. I must report to the kitchen first thing in the morning to give the bakers their instruction.”

“It shouldn’t take long. Find me afterward. I will be in the market buying food for our picnic.”

“A picnic? That sounds wonderful.”

“As long as the weather cooperates. I bid you both a good night,” Maria said and walked away.

“You are a lucky man, Andelbert,” I said.

“I feel like it. I hope it lasts.”

“As do I, my brother. As do I.”