Gallen's Bakery

Otto wiped his floury hands on his filthy apron, pausing momentarily before he began kneading the thick dough in front of him. The heat of the large ovens behind him caused sweat to drip down his forehead, but he continued to prepare the bread. Soon it was ready to bake and he shaped it into several round loaves and set them on a wooden paddle to be fed into the flames.

Desdemona stepped inside the bakery a purposeful air about her. Suddenly, the smell of cooking bread hit her system and she inhaled deeply. "Wow that smells simply delightful!"

Otto turned around slightly, being the only one in the shop and therefore in charge. Seeing it was the princess, the queen's sister if gossip was correct, he bowed low.
"Greetings your majesty. How may I serve you?"

Desdemona blushed slightly at the greeting. It was always such an amazement to her when people knew who she was right away.

"Is it really that obivious that I'm a 'Majesty'?" Desdemona asked Otto. Considering they seemed to be the only persons in the shop, she feel more comfortable about being open with him.

Otto chuckled, deciding the woman was not apt to have him imprisoned. "Not really, my lady. But you do fit the appearance of the our dear queen's sister. Princess Desdemona, if I am not mistaken." he smiled at her, before turning to fish several hot golden buns from the ovens. "Would you care for one?" he asked, gesturing to the rolls.

Becoming very glad that he had only moments before changed his apron, Otto began to wonder why the princess had entered the bakery. Surely she had servants to fetch bread for her...

"Oh I would," Desdemona said eyeing the loafs. She realized that she hadn't had her breakfast yet. But she would have to buy the loafs later, it was afterall her and Bavona's signal. "I'm still deciding what I would like."

"I am indeed Desdemona," Desdemona smiled at Otto. "Now may I have your name?"

"Otto, my lady." he replied, picking up a nearby square of cloth to pick up the piping hot bun and handing it to her. "Careful it is hot." he warned. "And take your time, there is plenty."

She took the loaf gratefully. "It smells wonderful."

"Otto," Desdemona repeated. "I think I've heard your name said around the castle before, one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting mentioned you in passing I think. Bavona, I believe she was, do you know her?"

Otto nodded, slowly. Of course he knew Bavona, she and her mother had lived nearby and they had played together as children.
"Yes, we were childhood friends."

"Do you still talk to each other?" Desdemona said taking a bite of the loaf. "Hmmm... this taste as delicious as it smells..."

"Occasionally." Otto murmured, not seeing what Bavona had to do with anything. "I am glad you like it, my lady." he smiled, proud of his work.

Time for a more direct approach. Desdemona thought. To be honest, she half expected him to start talking about her. Something Desdemona noticed about enamored people, was that whenever the name of the object of their affection was mentioned, they would brighten and start talking about them happily. But perhaps, Otto was different. There was also the possibility that Otter was indifferent but she rather hoped for the former. Perhaps a more direct approach was needed.

"If you don't mind me asking, how do you feel about her?"

To say Otto was beginning to feel slightly... embarrassed would have been an understatement. Not accustomed to being asked his feelings toward young women, but not desiring to be rude to the princess, he opened his mouth and then closed it.

"She is a most... affable young lady, of whom I have long had a respected friendship until her departure to become the ladies' maid of Her Majesty the Queen Dowager."

Hmm fair enough, a good neutral answer. Desdemona thought. But she wanted something... more. However, she didn't want to make Otto too uncomfortable. Perhaps she shouldn't rush this match making business and let it run its course a little.

But she wanted to push him, just a little more.

Desdemona nodded. "That's well and good but, you've still failed to tell me how you felt about her."

Otto sighed. "I do not see her enough or think of her enough to feel about her..." he returned, becoming uncomfortable.