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“Is something the matter?” I ask.
“It’s just… You see, I know that Fohri asked you to remain by my side at all times and to keep me away from others, but back there, would you have let him… you know…”
I can see just how painful it is even just recollecting what went down in the gardens. Without thinking, I take a risk and lay a reassuring hand on her shoulder. I immediately notice the softness in her body, and how right it feels in my hands.
“No,” I say with a strong voice. “I do not wish unjust harm to come onto anyone, especially those kept under the watchfulness of my guard.”
I realize I may be coming on a bit strong, thinking of a way to end the conversation. “Let’s leave it at that.”
We turn down a long hallway, narrow in its width. Dotted along the walls are paintings depicting the history of Infnore with lit sconces in between them. Standing along the walls are guards, watching us as we walk by.
Reaching the end of the hallway, we turn up a long stairwell, spiraling as it ascends. I lead the way, occasionally glancing over my shoulder to check on Ellie. She struggles with the steps with her small frame, a sight that amuses me.
We reach the upper levels of the estate, coming down another hallway. Instead of decor on the walls, there are windows giving an excellent view of the villages of Infnore. In the distance, the sun is setting, sinking like a red ball of fire behind the horizon.
At the end of the hall is Ellie’s room. I turn around to face her as I place my hand on the knob. “Ellie, are you hungry?”
“I could do with something to eat,” she says, rubbing her stomach.
“Well what would you like?” I ask. “I’ll arrange for a spot of dinner to be brought up for you.” I’m caught off guard as her mouth curls into a smile, giggling as she does so. “What is it?” I question. “Is there something amusing about sustenance?”
“No,” she laughs. “It’s just that this is the most I’ve heard you speak. You’re never usually this nice.”
“Hmm” I admit, smiling at her for the first time. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
“I am with you here,” she says. “Don’t worry about me. Now then, about dinner, is there anything you recommend?”
“Uh,” I reply, surprised by the question. “Well, the roasted taura is good.”
“Well then roasted taura it is,” she says with a smile.
She heads into her room and closes the door. Bewitched for a moment, I force myself to snap out of it. I turn and call to a nearby zagfer, making the order for Ellie’s dinner. As I wait for it to be delivered, I begin to wonder what’s gotten into me.
What the fuck am I doing? I have a mission to concentrate on, I shouldn’t be so direct with the human! But damn it, I just can’t seem to help myself.
The food arrives within a few minutes. Thanking the zagfer, I turn around and knock politely on the door.
“Just a minute!” calls Ellie’s muffled voice through the wood.
It opens, her standing aside and ushering for me to enter. Without thinking twice, I step into her quarters. I set the tray of food down on the table, dusting off my hands thereafter.
Steam emanates from the dish of roasted taura, complemented by the mashed burgona and thick gravy sauce lathered over it, producing a mouth watering aroma. “There you are,” I say to Ellie. “I’ll leave you to eat in peace.”
“Wait, will you stay for a while? Just while I eat. I just want a bit of company from someone who doesn’t try to harm me,” asks Ellie.
Honored by her request, I eagerly accept, again totally ignoring how openly affectionate and forward I’m being. “Make yourself comfortable in bed and I’ll bring you your food,” I say to her.
“Room service, I like it,” she jokes as she climbs into bed.
I lay the tray in front of her and hand over her knife and fork. Resigning to the table, I take a nearby chair and take a seat, facing Ellie. I watch as she takes a first bite, pleasure coming over her face.
“It’s good, isn’t it?” I ask.
“I might need to order a second one,” she laughs. “Do you want a bite?”
“Oh no, I’m okay,” I say.
“So tell me,” she asks in between bites. “Do you actually like your job here?”
