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“Why me?” I ask myself. “Was I just the right girl in the right place at the right time?”
At that moment, there comes a knock at my door. I turn around to see Valkus enter. He appears to have changed into a different attire for the early evening, wearing a light blue tunic with trousers as black as the midnight sky. The top of his tunic is open, exposing his collarbone.
“How are you getting on?” he asks, smiling that handsome smile of his.
“I’m slowly starting to believe this is real.”
“Such a sudden twist in one’s life is never a quick change to grasp,” he says thoughtfully as if remarking on some profound philosophy, but I’m glad he understands. “Come then, it’s time for our evening meal.”
My stomach growls at the mention of food. Despite being used to a lingering hunger, I hadn’t eaten much this morning, mostly due to how put off I was by the interaction with Valkus’ family.
He offers his hand, and together, we make our way down to the dining room. There, we’re greeted by Yiosha, or rather Valkus is. The zagfer barely gives me a look as if I do not exist in her world.
She guides us to our seats. Only then do we notice the absence of Valkus’ parents.
“Where are Mother and Father?” he asks.
“I’m afraid they wished to dine alone tonight. They’ve already retreated to their quarters for the evening.”
“What a bunch of children, but good riddance if you ask me.” Valkus chuckles.
I can’t exactly say I’m gutted to not have them here, either.
“Yiosha, please fetch us two portions of whatever’s on the menu tonight. Be snappy with it. My mate and I are hungry.
“Right away,” replies the servant, bowing before spinning around on her heels.
Just before she disappears through the door to the kitchen, however, she glares over her shoulder at me. Gods, she really wants me to know she’s not a fan.
“What’s her problem? She’s been giving me the evil eye all day long,” I remark.
“She likely shares the same sentiment as my parents. She’s their little puppet, you see. Worry not, I’ll teach her a lesson.”
I’m eager to see the zagfer retrieve a verbal bashing. After a few moments pass, Yiosha enters the dining room with a cart. On it are empty plates and cutlery, as well as a serving bowl of what smells like taura bahru.
She gracefully lays out a plate and a generous portion for Valkus, being mindful not to splash any residue. With me, however, she practically throws the plate down in front of me, then flings a serving of food, some of which lands on my dress.
“Yiosha!” yells Valkus. “How dare you act so immaturely? Clean up this mess you’ve created.”
Yiosha mutters an apology then produces a handkerchief from the sleeve of her uniform, cleaning the thick brown stains off of my dress.
“I’ll have this garment cleaned for you when you’re done with it,” says the zagfer.
“That’s right. By the way, Althia here will be living in the manor with us, so you’d better get used to being courteous and respectful to her at all times. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, of course!”
“I will not tolerate such behavior from a subordinate. Consider this your one and only warning. Now get out of my sight.”
I watch in disbelief as the zagfer briskly leaves us. This chivdouyu really just stood up for me? A human? I never thought I would live to see the day…
“Wow, you really laid into her.” I chuckle.
“I may not be able to control what my parents say about us, but the last thing I’ll tolerate is others being disrespectful to you. I promised you a place to live, but what good are food and shelter when the people you’re surrounded by treat you like nothing? You deserve the very best. Now, please, eat and enjoy yourself.”
A dark elf showing such kindness is something humans could only dream of. I’m really getting it all here. Food, a warm bed, and respect. Reaching over to Valkus, I take his hand.
“Thank you.”
