The court wizard

“Ah, blasted robes got snagged on-“

From another door into the study came a man draped in robes adorned in stars and carrying a staff with a crystal ball on the tip. He lifted his head, eyes narrowed at Kelly.

“I wasn’t expecting housekeeping today.” The wizard, Kelly had heard his name as Lazaro in passing conversation, looked him up and down from headband to heels.

Kelly could feel his heart beating out of his chest. He was caught. He was a knight (in training) galavanting about in a dress and makeup. There was no way this idiotic plan could ever-

“Especially not…any cute ones.”

Kelly blinked, unable to stop his head from bobbing to the side in bewilderment. “…Huh?”

Lazaro chuckled, sweeping his robes as he pulled closed the door. “You must be a new girl. Don’t think I’m familiar. What is your name, my sweet?”

Kelly’s brain all but stopped at not only was the plan working, but so well he’d be considered cute?

“K-Kelly.” He said softly, praying his voice didn’t give him away.

It wasn’t until Lazaro had crossed the room and took his chin in his fingers that he realized he had given his ACTUAL name. At least it was believable for a girl’s name too-!

“Pretty name for a pretty face.” Lazaro smiled, luckily letting go of him. The wizard rounded Kelly, but before he could relax, the wizard was running a hand over Kelly’s hip.

“Well, Miss Kelly, I have a little orientation for all the new girls.” Lazaro whispered in his ear. “Get my room tidied up and I’ll give you a little reward.”

Kelly’s cheeks were more red than his lips. “Oh. Um…of course, milord.”