Breakfast

When he comes back to the dining room, Kael finds a plate of food ready and waiting for him. Evie waits beside the table, hands folded in front of her. As he walks in, she bows to him.

“I hope that this will be acceptable, master.”

Kael looks at the plate as he sits. It’s piled high with eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes, and fruit. There’s even a large glass of fruit juice. He looks at Evie and smiles.

“It looks wonderful. Thank you, Evie. Did you fix yourself a plate as well?”

Blushing, she nods. “Yes, master. I wanted to be sure you were satisfied first.”

Kael gestures towards the seat across from him. “Well, get it and have a seat. I’m quite satisfied.”

She bows again, before walking back into the kitchen. Kael watches her go. She really is quiet pretty, he thinks to himself, and her blushes are adorable. Maybe this won’t be so terrible. At least he knows she’ll be well treated with him.

Evie comes back in. Her plate is less loaded, with her vegetarian diet. Still, she has plenty of food as she sits down, seemingly nervous once again.

Kael smiles. “It’s strange, having someone here. Did you sleep well, Evie?”

She nods. “Yes master. I’ve never had such a nice bed before.”

Kael nods. “Well, it’s only fair. You’re **** to be here, so I may as well help you be comfortable.”

Evie swallows a bite of fruit. “Thank you master. You’re very generous.”

Kael shakes his head. “Hardly. I’m just not really a fan of slavery. I intend to make you as comfortable as I can. Speaking of, after I return from my training session, we’ll go see about getting you some more clothes.”

She looks at him, seemingly confused. “More clothes, master? What’s wrong with these?”

Kael laughs. “Nothing. But you should have more than one set of clothes. And something to sleep in.”

She nods. “Whatever you wish, master.”

He smiles. “Don’t worry, you’ll love it. I know a good tailor shop. And afterwards we can talk some more. I’d like to know more about you.”

Evie looks at him and blushes again. “Master? More about me? I’m just an elf.”

Kael shakes his head again. “Just? Don’t put yourself down like that, Evie. You’re not a lesser person. At least not with me.”

She has no response, looking down and toying with her food. Kael shrugs. He doesn’t expect her to open up easily, but if he reminds her often enough that she’s not lesser, eventually it’ll stick. And at least then it won’t feel so bad having her here. Not to mention the brief flashes of happiness in her eyes have been gratifying. If he can get her to smile, that will be a huge victory.

For now though, he is finishing his meal. Training will not wait. As he empties his plate, he smiles at Evie once again.

“As I said, I have to go to training. You’ll be ok here by yourself for a couple hours?”

She nods, standing up. “Yes master. I will clean the kitchen.”

Kael stands as well. “Okay. Feel free to relax when you finish. While we’re out looking at clothes later we can find more things to occupy you as well.”

She bows. “Yes, master.”

Satisfied, Kael heads for the door.