𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐄𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐬 (Book Two)

7. Ice Cream

"See, Isabella agrees with me." Cassian grins.

Oliver pouts, "No she doesn't. She agrees with me."

She smiles down at Ol as he tugs on her sleeve, "you like ice cream."

It's a statement, not a question.

She smiles anyway, "I do."

"Seeeee." He drags out the word in delight, "Mummy's on my side, not yours."

Cassian shakes his head, expression crushed. "You've broken my heart, Iz."

Rhys snorts, "Please don't tell me you call them Iz and Az."

"What's wrong with my nicknames."

"You might as well have said tig and tag."

Isabella couldn't help but snort in amusement much to Rhys's smug pride.

Fortunately the cobbled beach front had been left behind for a narrow side street filled with sunlight. The buildings on either side were three stories high with shutter windows and flower baskets filled with the early spring buds.

Azriel strolled ahead of them, steps purposeful towards a small glass front shop. The large panel windows looked in on various wicker seats and small tables. Most were already occupied and Isabella couldn't help but worry for where they would sit.

"It seems busy." She murmured quietly to Rhys, holding onto Oliver's shoulders as he came to stand in front of her. "There won't be any seats left."

Indeed, she seemed right. The second they entered the seaside themed shop with its various shades of pastel blue and green they were evolved in noise and chatter. Various conversations flittered over her head and Isabella began to feel a little out of place.

It was easier to notice her humanness here. Amidst the feather wings, and large horns, the green skin and bark coated faces. Oliver too seemed cautious and Cassian picked up on their unease before they had.

Her mate stepped in behind her, curled one arm around her waist to tug her protectively against his chest till she could feel his warmth against her back. Rhys had already strode forward and was talking jovially with the servers and waiters who were starstruck by the high lord.

Azriel was right, it was a lovely shop. There was white wooden panelling up to waist height while the rest of the walls were painted in art panels of rolling waves and cartoon ships. Hung around the room at odd intervals were sketches of sea creatures, ones she hoped were fake and imaginary based on the size and number of teeth.

They had reached midday so it was no wonder the little shop was filled to the brim with customers and the streets outside slowly began to fill with pop up vendors of sandwiches, hot food and some form of ice looking drink.

It was darker inside, especially in comparison to the golden light that flowed in the street outside. Azriel had taken advantage of this and had managed to secure them a table by the window that the other patrons had seemingly looked over. Or perhaps been turned away by his looming figure.

Cassian all but frog-marched over to Azriel. Oliver was soon clambering onto a seat with the help of the shadow singer while Cassian pulled out a chair for Isabella. Cassian dropped their beach bags with a resounding thud onto the floor. His own chair screeched back before he settled down heavily beside her.

Isabella peered around her, taking in the various patrons, windows doors and clamour. She was next to Azriel, allowing both of them to people-watch with perfect views.

That was another thing no one mentioned about motherhood. Paranoia. She would never have a good window view anymore, too concerned with staring inward and watching for any issues or threats approaching her child.