Jareth eyes her for a moment longer, as though he can sense the inkling of disappointment at his reaction. His expression, while carefully pleasant, remained unreadable. Careful detachment was a skill the King was well-known for. He smiles, a flash of teeth more than a display of affection, and inclines his head to her graciously. Her gaze, while brief, does not go unnoticed.
❝ Surely you see the flaw in your thought process, ❞ comes his interjection, though he would not pretend to understand what Dove had been thinking when she’d come up with that little rule. He was not as trusting as she, to no real surprise.
How humanity could walk around with their eyes blindfolded and expect to reach their destination was beyond him. Why run a bakery if you’re simply going to give handouts? He stifles himself after a few moments, coming to the realization that he could be perceived as rude. While not the end of the world, Jareth thought better of himself in first impressions. The King brings the treat to his lips, though he slows his movement to speak.
And he allows himself a small bite, finding whatever satisfaction in the knowledge that it did indeed taste as curious as it smelled. Mortal food was not particularly fit for his consumption, though Jareth was lax to admit that it was quite good; it was never that easy to convince the Goblin King of anything. He takes another, slightly larger piece, gaze flickering to her with an expression that spoke just that.
The oddity of his smile is noticed, although she doesn’t comment on it. It would be strange to mention, she thinks, and decides to forget about it immediately, and keeps her own warm smile in place. Chuckling, Dove nods, tussling dark strands slightly. “I do, but I’m happy with it, as flawed as it may be.” It made her happy to see the pleasantly surprised looks on people’s faces when they first came in, and obviously she doesn’t give them large samples. He’s entitled to his opinion though, and she holds no ill will towards him. It’s just not who she is.
“You’re welcome.” And as he takes the bite her chest swells with pride, smile blooming further into a bright grin that lights up those very same blue eyes of hers. He doesn’t have to shower her in compliments or praise for her to know he enjoys it, it’s in his face alone, and in the way he goes in for a second bite. Good, she’s glad he likes it. Something about him seems picky, so it feels good.
“Could I interest you in a cup of coffee or tea?” She wasn’t one for drinking coffee herself, but her selection of loose leaf teas grew larger by the week, and Dove found she was becoming somewhat obsessed with discovering new combinations and flavours. He seemed more like a tea person. “The tea is freshly brewed from all natural herbal blends, and I grind the coffee beans myself each morning.” Some people cared about all that, others didn’t, but either way she made it a point to tell every new customer who came in, just in case.
