Chapter Text
Golden Cheese finishes brushing her wings, frowning as she looked at her matted hair. It looked like a Chez bird’s nest.
“Ugh. I’m beginning to think I should just cut it short.” Golden Cheese grumbled, starting to brush through it.
She was briefly stunned with being met with silence, before she sighed and gave up, putting her hair up in a ponytail. If you looked closely, it looked horrendous, but that was not the point.
Golden Cheese got in her finest outfit, heading out of her room and to her throne room. She hardly glanced at her own throne, instead looking to the throne next to hers, designed specifically for White Lily. She traced over the carved nature designs longingly. She missed her.
“Your Radiance?” Golden Cheese practically jumped out of her skin.
”Mozzarella Cookie! I.. didn’t see you there.”
Mozzarella Cookie smiled, walking over to Golden Cheese. “I could tell, your Radiance. Missing Her Majesty again?”
Golden Cheese sighed, slumping into her own throne, her wings draped over her shoulders, her hands coming up to her temples. “Yes, was it that easy to tell?”
Mozzarella Cookie laughed. A laugh so full of life, of harmony and happiness, that Golden Cheese wondered how she did it. “Yes, Your Radiance. It was that obvious. You miss Her Majesty. And I believe so do your subjects. Her presence brings a sense of security, and, of course, we all hate to see you so down.”
Golden Cheese perked up, shoulders tense, wings rigid. “What?”
Mozzarella Cookie raised an eyebrow curiously. “Could you seriously not tell?”
”No! My last intent was to make my dear treasures worry!”
Mozzarella Cookie smiled generously. “How about this. Maybe the other heroes have an idea on where Her Majesty went. You could go with them to find her!”
Golden Cheese seemed hesitant. “I would love that, and believe me, I’ve thought of it before, but I can’t leave my radiant kingdom and its greedy subjects empty-handed.”
”But it won’t be! See, Smoked Cheese Cookie, Burnt Cheese Cookie, and I will be here.”
”I can’t ask that of you three.”
”Your Radiance, with all due respect, who is the greediest cookie in all of Earthbread?”
”..Me, of course!”
“Exactly! So go fill your greedy desires! Who knows? Maybe Her Majesty needs your help.”
”I suppose you’re right… but if anyone asks… it was my idea!” Golden Cheese had an ambitious look on her face. She will find White Lily.
Mozzarella Cookie laughed. “Of course, Your Radiance.”
The first stop on Golden Cheese’s non-existent (though she will tell you otherwise) list is the Vanilla Kingdom. The Cacao Kingdom would be much too cold for her taste, and the markets of the Hollyberry Kingdom too busy.
Unfortunately for her, fate did not seem to be on her side, for the moment she came into view with the Vanilla Kingdom, she immediately knew something was wrong.
Where the courtyard with fountains, gardens, greenery, and such, once stood, was a Dark Cacao Kingdom flag. Now, this could mean two things. Either Dark Cacao Cookie was declaring war (unlikely), or he was paying a yearly(?) visit to his husband.
Golden Cheese figured (hoped) it was the latter. Dark Cacao wouldn’t declare war on his husband… right?
As she flew closer, her fears dissipated. Landing in the center of the courtyard, she spotted Dark Cacao and Pure Vanilla discussing something calmly. Obviously deep in conversation, Golden Cheese was reluctant to interrupt them.
And yet, Dark Cacao spotted her anyway. He tensed upon seeing her, but relaxed once he gazed upon her face. He said something quickly to Pure Vanilla before waving her over.
Golden Cheese flew over reluctantly. After all, she couldn’t keep them waiting, could she?
Pure Vanilla turned to face her, a gentle smile on his face. “Golden Cheese Cookie! I didn’t expect to see you! What’s going on, friend?”
Golden Cheese played her best confident smile. ”Ah, nothing much. Have you all heard anything from White Lily Cookie?”
Pure Vanilla frowned, glancing at Dark Cacao, who shook his head. “White Lily Cookie? No, we haven’t heard from her. Has something happened?”
Golden Cheese’s facade fluttered slightly. “Oh, no. Just wondered if you had a word where she went. You know her! Always exploring, trying to find the witches’ secrets.”
”Again?” Dark Cacao grumbled.
Golden Cheese was about to argue when Pure Vanilla interrupted. “Alright, let’s not fight here. I’m sure she’s fine. Do you have an idea on where she went? We could send soldiers to help you find her.”
Golden Cheese frowned. “I think she mentioned something about Beast-Yeast.”
Dark Cacao stiffened. “Beast-Yeast? What a wicked place. I’ve never been, but the monsters from the land have started invading the Licorice Sea. Nasty creatures.”
”That bad?” Pure Vanilla inquired, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Dark Cacao nodded, relaxing ever-so-slightly.
Golden Cheese looked at the two longingly. She had to find White Lily. She had to.
Looking at the two again, she decided she would not bother them any longer. “I’ll go alone. I am the radiant goddess after all!”
Pure Vanilla tilted his head, frowning considerately. “Are you sure?”
Golden Cheese laughed, brushing off his concern. “Ah, I’ll be fine.”
A pause.
”Right then, I’m off!” And without another word, she was in the air again. At least she knew where she was heading.