Page 21 of Dark Elf's Good Girl

She barely ate anything at dinner.

Maybe I should take her something to eat.

My mind is made up because I have finally found an excuse, and I hurry down to the kitchens.

Most of the servants are asleep on the floor below mine, but the kitchen is always awake and busy.

Steam is rising from pots when I walk in, and I cannot see where I am going.

Because of that, I barrel right into Lorien.

“Dear boy!” She laughs, her raspy voice echoing around the room. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

After I make sure she is okay, I give Lorien a big hug.

“Why are you up so late?” She scolds me. “And what in the name of Protheka are you doing in the kitchens?”

I am quiet at first.

I am not sure if I should tell Lorien about Isla.

It’s Lorien. She’s like a mother to you. She is a mother to you.

She won’t judge you.

“What were you about to do?” I deflect her question as I look down at the tray in my hands, which I must have taken from her when I nearly knocked her over.

“I was bringing you some snacks. And some evening tea.” My chest grows warm with love, and I know then that I need to confide in her.

She will understand, if no one else will.

“Calix has brought someone home. A human girl. A servant. I am sure you have heard.”

“Yes, I have.” Lorien nods sagely. “She was pacing all day today. We could hear her footsteps through the ceiling. She must have worn the carpet in her bedroom out.”

“Well, you know how Talara is about humans. And Calix decided that a good idea would be to bring a sex slave to dinner. Because that is what she is to him.”

“He has always been such a dirty boy.” Lorien tuts delicately, and the only sign that she is disgusted by Calix is her wrinkled nose.

The words rushed from me in a flood, and in that moment, I thank the Thirteen that I have Lorien.

Because I probably would have blurted all this out to the wrong person at the wrong moment.

“She barely ate anything at dinner. And I am just worried about her.” I finish lamely.

I cannot admit my true feelings for Isla to Lorien yet. Mostly because I do not know what my true feelings are.

All I know is that the sight of Isla makes me feel things that I have never felt before.

And I do not know why a simple human woman is doing this to me.

“I understand your worries my dear boy.” She pats my arm comfortingly, and hands me a cup of tea.

“I’ll take her some tea and check up on her.” Lorien says before I can decide anything.

I feel better right away, though I also cannot help but feel disappointed that I won’t get to see Isla tonight.

This is for the best.

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