"Get back here, you little monster!" Barius roared as he chased Bait around his bakery.
Ezran giggled to himself at the sight of the man trying to catch his loyal pet before turning to the reason they had come to the bakery.
There, in front of him, was a large tray freshly baked jelly tarts.
There were still warm and looked decicious with their crispy edges, shiny red fillings and these even had some sugar-crystals on top!
He was so in awe while admiring them that he stood a little too long and only snapped from his trance when a shadow appeared over him.
The young prince froze when he noticed said shadow before slowly looking up and seeing a disgruntled Barius who held Bait in one hand and a rolling-pin in the other.
"Admiring my hard-made and not for you jelly tarts again, prince Ezran?" he grunted.
"Uh... Kinda? I mean, these look even better than the usual ones!" Ezran grinned sheepishly before he automatically reached for one.
"And they're not for you!" Barius barked as he used his rolling-pin to smack the boys hand away, though it barely touched the boy and so didn't really hurt.
He'd never do anything to hurt the boy.
Ezran still got the message however that the man was extra protective of these pastries.
As if reading his thoughts Barius started talking.
"They're for my sister and niece. I haven't seen them in a long time since they live in Duren and they will be coming to visit for a couple days." he explained as he handed Bait over to Ezran so he could start putting the treats in a nicely decorated box.
Hearing the reason on why the baker had made extra yummy jelly tarts made Ezran feel guilty for trying to steal them.
"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to- I just didn't think-" he stumbled over his words, "They're my favorite and I-"
"I know and it's fine, kiddo." Barius cutt him off with a small smile.
"I mean, for the most part I see it as a compliment that the royal family loves my work so much." he chuckled and shrugged before holding out the box, much to Ezran's surprise.
"I made a lot so I think I can miss at least two for you and Bait." the baker told him and he beamed back.
"Thank you so much!" he cheered and right away reached in to grab two jelly tarts, feeding one to Bait before biting into his own.
"Hmmm! These are the best you ever made!" he moaned with Bair growling in agreement and turning orange, making Barius laugh.
"Glad you think so! Now, I've still got a lot to do so off you go!" he ruffled the pince's hair before gently pushing the boy towards the door.
"Thank you for the tarts and have fun with your family!" Ezran called as he waved over his shoulder before disappearing.
"Oh, that boy." Barius chuckled before spotting something in the corner of his eye.
"Seriously?!" he cried as he saw Bait peeking in the box he had put the other tarts in.
Bait just showed his 'innocent' eyes.
"Like I'd fall for that! Get out of here, you little monster!" Barius yelled and with that Bair ran off after Ezran, going as fast as his little legs could go.
As soon as he was alone Barius sighed and shook his head to himself.
That prince and glowtoad were going to be the death of him someday.