A return unexpected

Kael mulls over Bernal’s words as he heads home. It seems there’s more to Evie than meets the eye. All the more reason to treat her well. Not that he planned to do otherwise. Still, it’s an interesting development. And Bernal is wise as well as strong, so if he feels that this is a good thing, then Kael would do well to follow his advice.

It’s not long before he arrives at home. When he walks in the front door, he sees Evie seated in the living room, absorbed in a book. So absorbed, in fact, that she doesn’t even notice that Kael has entered. He simply watches her for a moment.

Her reddish eyes flick back and forth as she reads, and there’s a slight blush on her pale cheeks. Her green hair is tucked behind one ear, and her lips move slightly as she reads, as if speaking the words as they pour into her mind. For some reason, she seems incredibly attractive in this moment, unguarded and candid. It’s like Kael is seeing her completely at ease, comfortable and relaxed.

The moment is over as suddenly as it began, as she seems to sense his presence. With a gasp, she leaps to her feet, dropping the book in her haste.

“Oh! Master! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you come in!”

Kael smiles, picking up the book. “It’s fine, Evie. You weren’t doing anything wrong.”

Evie bows to him. “I cleaned the kitchen, master. What would you have me do?”

Kael looks at the book she was reading. Tales of a Questing Knight. An interesting book, but not one he would have expected her to enjoy. A lot of high adventure, mixed with rather explicit romance. That explains the blushing, then. He holds the book out to Evie, and the redness stains her cheeks again.

“You can take this, Evie. It looked like you were enjoying it.”

She takes it, avoiding his gaze. “Yes, master. Thank you, master.”

Kael chuckles. “I won’t ask you about it, don’t worry. For now though, it’s time to go get you some clothes. Go put the book back in your room, and we’ll head out.”

She bows. “Yes, master.”

Kael watches her hurry off. He shakes his head as he realizes he’s staring at her. It’s still strange having someone else in his home, but he has to admit that he already likes having Evie around. Hopefully she gets more comfortable with him around.

She emerges from her room quickly, seemingly having composed herself. “I am ready, master.”

Kael nods. “Good. It’s not far, so just stay close, okay?”

“Yes, master.”

He leads her out of the house, noticing that as soon as they’re outside, she follows his instructions almost too well. Watching people with wide eyes, Evie stays right by his side, practically running into him. Kael finds it a bit endearing, the way she seems to stay in his shadow, as if for protection. No one pays her any mind, though, as it’s not unusual for slaves to run errands, with or without their masters.

Soon, they reach the tailors, and Kael smiles at Evie. “Here we are. Let’s get you some clothes.”