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“And… what does that exactly entail?”
He squinted his eyes in amusement. “The normal daily tasks. Cleaning, washing, and mending his linens. Serving him wine when he requests it. And of course, servicing his… physical needs.”
I dropped my eyes, swallowing hard. The thought of his cold hands on my body made me sick.
Levos started laughing under his breath. “Are you rehearsed in the needs of the opposite sex?”
I shook my head no.
“Not even your own kind?” He asked, with a sarcastic tone.
“No. I still have my maidenhood,” I whispered.
Levos laughed so loud I jumped back. “My cousin sure knows how to pick them. Don’t worry, I will bring you some books that outline the basics of what you should be doing.”
“I—I can’t read,” I admitted.
“Well, it looks like I have my work cut out for me then. Come, we need to get you fitted for some clothes, and then I will show you around the grounds.” He extended his arm to me.
I hesitantly took it, unsure of his intentions. I ran my free hand through my hair to my ears, making sure they were still hidden. “Would it be possible to get a scarf or wrap I could wear in my hair? It’s a fashion I would like to maintain,” I said, trying to divert any suspicion.
“You’ll have to get Gaelin’s permission. He chooses how you look and what you wear from this point on, but he is a reasonable alfar. I’m sure it won’t be a problem.”
Chapter 6
Iallowed Levos’s brass personality and sense of humor to distract me the rest of the day. He seemed too nice to take at face value. I wondered if his kindness was some type of ploy to gain my trust. Don’t trust the alfar, I reminded myself.
We walked the grounds where he showed me the fields that provided their food, along with their water sources. The alfar we encountered didn’t bat an eye in my direction. The humans, on the other hand, glared at me with disgust, which I didn’t understand.
As we moved through the city, I was in awe of the alfar’s magical abilities. They could control the nature around them, growing a tree in a few minutes with just a wave of their hand. Children floated feathers around their heads in the city square, creating a snow-like effect. The alfar could also move water and commune with animals. Levos told me all about their magical abilities and how strong and powerful the light alfar were. I figured while he was in a sharing mood, I might as well try to gather information on my enemy.
“So does the light court ever have any interaction with the dark court?” I tried to ease my way into the topic.
Levos arched an eyebrow, assessing me and my boldness. “Unfortunately, yes. More lately than usual. We have a bit of a… pest problem on our lands,” said Levos.
I chewed on the bottom of my lip, hesitating to push the topic further, but I was desperate. “Are the dark alfar as bad as the rumors?” I asked.
“Depends on the rumors, I suppose. We try to stay clear of them as much as possible. Though we are of the same blood, we do not view political or religious matters in the same light.”
“Do they really kill humans as sacrifices to their god?”
Levos exhaled deeply. I realized I was getting close to his friendly sharing limit for the day. “It’s not something we like to speak of. Their actions reflect poorly on us, but yes, those rumors are true. Thankfully, you will never have to experience their court. Now come, time to get you something to eat.”
We made our way back into the palace. Levos showed me the servant’s quarters and where I could get food. He waited until I ate my fill and then escorted me back to Lord Atros’s bedchamber.
“Thank you for your help today,” I said to Levos. “I’m sure you have better things to do with your time than babysit a human,”
“Actually, I’ve enjoyed this very much. Living as long as we do, life becomes mundane. Hearing stories about how human’s live… interest me.”
“Well, in that case, I am sorry I am such a bore. I haven’t done much with the past nineteen years of my life, except survive, I guess.”
“Nonsense. That in itself is something to praise. I couldn’t begin to understand your predicament. At least now you will never go hungry, and you will always have a place to lay your head as long as you keep the future king happy,” He nudged me in the arm. The weight of the impending night slammed into me like a tidal wave.
“And… how am I supposed to do that?”
“Like I said, you have nothing to worry about. He is kinder than most of us when it comes to the treatment of humans. Be honest, respectful, and caring and he will treat you the same.” Levos pushed open one of the doors. The moonlight filled the dark bedroom as candles flickered to life around the walls. Lord Atros stood by the balcony, leaning against the edge of the wall, looking out into the night sky.
Levos’s hand pushed against my lower back, edging me into the room. I looked up at him with fear.