Page 19 of Kingdom of Lies

I scoff in annoyance at her reaction. "I'm here with Kathleen, of course."

The woman's grip on her shawl tightens and she takes a few hesitant steps backwards. "I-I must be going," she stammers, avoiding eye contact with me. "Kathleen, be safe my dear." The smell of warm bread and herbs fills the air around us, masking her fear and unease.

Kathleen reaches out a hand pleadingly. "Wait Mathilde, please don't go! He's not going to hurt us."

But Mathilde is already scurrying out the front door as fast as her old legs can carry her.

"I'm sorry about that," Kathleen says sadly. "She's just scared because she doesn't understand."

I wave a dismissive hand. "It's nothing new. You humans fear what you don't understand."

Kathleen looks down, discomfort clear on her face. I probably should have held my tongue, but it's the truth. These humans see me as a monster, nothing more.

I shrug. "It's nothing new. I'm used to humans cowering in fear from me."

Kathleen frowns slightly.

"You humans are so weak and fragile," I continue callously. "I could crush one of you with a single hand if I wished. You fear us because you know we are superior in every way."

Kathleen's eyes widen and she takes a small step back from me. I see a flash of apprehension cross her face.

She clears her throat, trying her best to look brave. "The healing potion, please?"

I stare down at her frail, elderly grandmother lying unconscious on the bed. With a sigh, I decide to be frank. "The healing potion will only do so much for her condition. It may mend her wounds, but her body clearly needs more than magic right now. She's weak from injury and malnourishment. This old human needs proper care and nourishment or the potion will be useless."

Kathleen's face falls at my words. I press on gently, "The potion cannot provide the ongoing care she needs. Her human body is different from an elf's. She will require constant attention to regain her full strength."

Kathleen looks up at me, eyes glistening with tears. "What should I do then? I don't know how to help her get better."

I go silent for a few moments, contemplating the situation. This young woman has shown resilience and devotion beyond what I expected from a human. Perhaps I can put our arrangement to some real use.

"As we are to be 'mates,' it is expected that I provide for your family," I finally say. "We can bring your grandmother to stay in my home. There she can have the care and medicine she needs to recover properly."

Kathleen's eyes widen in surprise. "You would do that for us?"

I nod. "It will reinforce our ruse."

Kathleen's eyes fill with gratitude. "That would be so kind of you. My grandmother and I would be forever thankful."

"It’s not about being kind.”

It’s just practical. All for my benefit.

Kathleen smiles through her tears. My chest feels oddly warm at the sight.

11

KATHLEEN

Iam overwhelmed with disbelief when Draknir offers to let my grandmother and me move into his home. I am humbled by his kindness and quickly agree, knowing it is the only way to get my grandmother the care she desperately needs.

How is he going to make me pay for this? I don’t even care.

He immediately sends his impeccably dressed servants to collect our belongings. They move with grace and precision, carefully packing up our meager possessions as if they were priceless treasures. The townsfolk stop and stare in awe as the procession makes its way through the bustling streets. Whispers follow us, filled with envy and curiosity at our sudden change of fortune.

The shrill voice of old Mrs. Potts, our neighbor from next door, echoes through the quiet street.

"What's happening, Kathleen?" she calls out, her tone filled with curiosity and concern.

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