Page 1 of The Dark Elf's Surprise Baby

1

HARPER

As I work, I hum a tune. I don’t recall where I heard it, nor do I recall the exact tune, but I remember it from years ago, from before I worked for the shop owner.

The tune is something old and it gives me some nostalgia for days gone by. I think my mother hummed it to me but I’ve forgotten what she looks like now.

I’ve been on my own for a long, long time. Since I could remember. I don’t recall my family, if I even had one. I must have had a mother and father at some point but the only thing I clearly remember is working for the shop owner.

But that was a long time ago now too. It was even before I started working for my current master.

I continue to dust the study, trying to get every speck of dust off the bookshelves and the bric-a-brac. It takes a long time before I’m satisfied that all the dust has been eliminated before I move on.

The sun shines in from the window, warming my back as I clean the master’s desk. He’s been gone for days now and now that he’s back I want to make sure that everything is perfect for him.

Even though it’s only been six months, it’s been the best six months of my life. Before now, I was working for a particularly cruel shop owner—one of the k’sheng caste, and he forced me to toil for hours on end, unloading heavy shipments of grain from the docks.

When Master Demethys saw me struggling with a large, heavy bag, he asked me if I would be alright with him purchasing me and giving me a position as a maid in his household.

Of course I said yes! My master at the time was quite unhappy but Master Demethys offered him quite a large sum for me and it seemed to soothe his pain. He let me go willingly and I left with a new master and actual hope for the future for the first time.

That was six months ago now. Working for Master Demethys has been something of a dream. He’s kind and thoughtful and the work I do now is miles easier than what I used to do. I don’t miss it at all. Most of the time the work I do is so light, I feel like I’m not doing enough to earn my keep.

But truth be told, I wouldn’t leave even if I found a position where I could do nothing and get paid.

Because there’s actually a bonus to the whole working for my new master thing.

My master is also my lover.

It didn’t happen right away. He never bought me to put me in the position to make me be his bedmate.

In fact, he spurned my advances at first, worried that I would see it as him taking advantage. But he gave in eventually and he’s the best lover I’ve ever had. Also, practically the only lover I’ve ever had.

Master Demethys sent word this morning that he arrived back from his mission. He’s a miou, one of the soldier class and he’s frequently called away for work.

Apparently he returned this morning at the break of dawn. I’ve been working practically nonstop since I heard the news. I want to make sure that everything is perfect for him.

Even though it’s only been six months since I came to work for him and three months since we became lovers, my life has changed for the better in every way. Even the zagfer servants have welcomed me as part of the household. I never thought I would be lucky enough to find a family here.

Speaking of family, as I exit the office, Bryrion comes up the steps, carrying freshly laundered bed linens. She’s one of the ones who have made me feel the most welcome here. “Hey, careful,” I tell her. She’s about to lose a pillowcase and I grab it before it can fall.

“Thank you, Harper,” Bryrion smiles. She’s truly one of my best friends here. We share everything and she even knows all about me and Master Demethys. “Still bouncing off the walls?” she asks.

“Yes!” I all but shout. “He’s back! How can I not be excited?” Even though I’m human, everyone here has accepted me.

Mimlai descends the servant stairs, a pile of dirty linens in her arms. “I’ve cleared the bed,” she tells Bryrion.

“Good. We’re going to remake it with clean sheets. Give Darhine the dirty sheets and come back up to help me.”

“I can help,” I offer.

“It’s fine,” Bryrion shakes her head. “I think there’s going to be a grocery order delivered soon. You should sign for it at the back door.”

“Right,” I nod, heading for the kitchens. “I’ll tell Ivrir to start lunch!”

Ivrir is Master Demethys’ manservant and the one in charge of the household. But he’s old so sometimes he takes naps when he’s supposed to be working.

I head into the kitchen and indeed, Ivrir is sitting on a chair next to the fire, eyes shut and nodding off.

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