13. Kathleen

The venison stew and wine before me are divine — the finest fare I"ve ever tasted. Each bite is a burst of flavors, rich and succulent. The tender meat falls apart on my tongue, accompanied by a smooth red wine that enhances its taste. I can"t help but feel grateful to Draknir for this bounty, his generosity knows no bounds.

However, as I devour my meal, I can"t shake off the unease that lingers from his abrupt departure earlier. His presence always stirs up unfamiliar emotions within me. Even the slightest touch from him, like when he helped adjust my grip on the silverware, sends shivers down my spine. But I refuse to let these flustered feelings ruin such a delectable feast. The array of mouthwatering dishes spread out before me provides a welcome distraction. Each dish is a work of art, with vibrant colors and complex flavors that make my taste buds sing. This is truly the most sumptuous dining experience I have ever had.

By the time dessert arrives, I"m enraptured by the array of cakes, pastries and exotic fruits. The dessert plates are laid out in front of me, my eyes widening at the sight of the decadent cakes, pastries, and vibrant fruits. The rich aroma of honeyed wine fills the air, and I take a sip, savoring how it perfectly complements the sweetness of the confections. Any tension I had been feeling earlier has now melted away.

After the hearty dinner, I make my way down the winding hallway to Grandma"s room, filled with a mix of anticipation and worry for her recovery. A young woman, with long flowing hair and piercing blue eyes, is already there tending to her needs. She greets me with a warm smile and introduces herself as Elvira, the nurse assigned to care for Grandma. Relief floods through me as I see how gentle and attentive she is with my grandmother.

I offer to take over the care duties, wanting to do everything in my power to help my beloved Grandma recover. Elvira graciously steps aside and watches me with kind eyes as I go about preparing fresh linens and administering her medication. The scent of lavender and chamomile fills the room, calming both my nerves and Grandma"s.

As I finish up, Draknir appears in the doorway – tall and imposing yet his eyes hold a softness that puts me at ease. He gently places a hand on my shoulder and says, "You need not exhaust yourself further. Elvira will tend to your grandmother"s needs - you have more important matters to focus on now."

I start to protest – Grandma is my responsibility! But the sincerity in Draknir"s eyes gives me pause. He truly cares about preserving my energy and status here. "Very well," I acquiesce. I give Grandma a parting kiss. "Rest and get stronger," I whisper to her.

I follow Draknir out. He is right – I have a new role to inhabit now. Securing our future means leaving some duties behind. It hurts, but my priorities must evolve to meet the challenges ahead. I will find ways to still support Grandma while adjusting to this new life.

"Can you read?" he says, his voice breaking the silence like a whip cracking through the air.

His question hits me like a shot in the chest. I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"I cannot, sir," I stammer out, unable to meet his gaze.

His expression softens and he nods thoughtfully. "That simply will not do. I"ll take it upon myself to teach you letters, and my butler will see to your etiquette and manners."

I"m taken aback by this unexpected offer. "You wish for me to learn to read?" I ask, unsure of what to make of it all.

He nods decisively. "Yes, it is quite important."

The butler chimes in with a respectful response. "Of course, sir. We will ensure she receives a proper education." As if on cue, he produces a pen and paper from his pocket.

And just like that, my fate is decided – I am to become a proper lady under their guidance. It fills me with both excitement and trepidation. But as I look up at my new mentor"s kind face, I know that I am in good hands.

The butler nods in response. "Very good sir."

Joy and nervousness swell within me. Nobody has ever seen anything more in me than a dripir slop girl. And Draknir himself will be my writing master! We will be spending many hours alone together. The thought leaves me both thrilled and anxious about what could develop between us.

"I would be honored," I say, hoping my voice does not reveal my inner turmoil.

"I'm sure you are… not like you have any choice." What awaits us during our private tutoring sessions? I tremble slightly, eager yet afraid to find out.

"We shall begin your lessons tomorrow. But for today, I wish to spend time acquainting myself properly with my future mate."

I nod, assuming he means continuing our tours and conversations.

"The wedding will take place three days from now at noon," he adds matter-of-factly.

I gasp in shock. "Three days? So soon?"

Draknir smiles wryly. "Indeed. We must make haste before any obstacles arise to prevent our union."

"Obstacles?"

"Yes, but do not concern yourself with that," he takes my arm and begins walking me.

I swallow hard and nod. His estranged relatives could ruin everything if given the chance.

"For now, we should become better acquainted, and ensure our backstory aligns," he continues.

Draknir offers to give me a tour of the estate. I accept nervously. Strolling the halls arm-in-arm will certainly bring us closer, but my heart flutters wildly at the prospect.

As we stroll through the tranquil palace gardens, Draknir begins opening up about his early life, reciting the facts plainly and efficiently.

"My father is from a noble family, but I…do not know him well. He wishes to press me into a marriage I do not want," he states neutrally, yet I detect a flicker of sorrow in his eyes.

"And your mother?"

"Is dead." His voice is short. "I didn't know her well, either."

He goes on to tell me how the soldiers raised and trained him. He became a military recruit by the tender age of nine, desperate to find purpose and belonging.

My heart aches for the lonely boy behind the stoic soldier. I shyly take his hand in a gesture of comfort as we walk. To my surprise, he does not pull away.

Draknir continues unraveling the threads of his past matter-of-factly, but I listen with growing empathy, even though his dry recitation of facts seems to expect none. His has been a life devoid of love or family – until now.

It's a strange thought that a dripir slop girl and her ill grandmother might be the closest to a family that he's ever come, and even that's all a lie.

It must be very lonely to be him.

As Draknir leads me through the grand rooms, furnishing details about his youth. "I excelled in all forms of combat training," he brags. "Mastered swordsmanship by thirteen. None could rival me."

I listen with interest as we walk. Draknir"s arrogance masks a deep longing for connection. His skill and drive to succeed come from wanting to prove his worth, I realize.

"The other recruits envied my talents," he continues. "Not that they would dare challenge me – I could thrash the lot!"

I have to stifle a smile at his bluster. His swaggering confidence contrasts with the gentle way he guided me earlier today.

"You are unlike other elves I have known," I observe. "You showed me kindness in the forest, when no one else cared."

"I cannot abide needless suffering when I have the power to prevent it."

His words reveal the compassion underneath the bravado. He is driven by more than just ambition. I see goodness in him that early hardship could not erase.

Whatever happens, I will remember this.

Just then, Draknir stops and frowns, scrutinizing me critically. "You are slouching. A lady must stand tall, like so–"

He boldly grasps my chin and tilts it up at a haughty angle. Then he presses a hand into my back, forcing my shoulders straight.

"Keep your bearing noble and proud," he instructs sternly. "Not hunched like some vagrant."

I flush, both embarrassed and indignant. How dare he manhandle me so! Yet I bite my tongue, not wishing to provoke his temper.

"There, much better," Draknir declares, satisfied. He offers his arm to resume our tour.

As we walk, I seethe quietly. Just when I thought him capable of tenderness, his arrogant ways resurface. I must learn to abide by his moods if we are to maintain our fa?ade.

For now, I keep my chin aloft and back straight, playing the poised lady despite the vexation simmering within. Draknir is not the only one who can mask true feelings beneath a fa?ade.

Just then, his butler Elfred hurries over, face grim. "Pardon the intrusion, sir, but Captain Hayes urgently needs to speak with you. He says it is a serious matter."

Draknir"s expression becomes sober. "Very well. Convey my apologies for cutting our time short, dear lady. We shall continue soon."

Before leaving, Draknir leans in and presses a soft kiss to my cheek.

"We must be ready to perform if the captain demands proof," he whispers close to my ear. His warm breath sends tingles through me.

Up this close, I smell Draknir"s rich, masculine scent and feel the brush of his beard stubble against my skin. The unexpected kiss makes my heart flutter wildly.

I give a dazed nod, still flustered when he pulls away. "Of course, my lord."

What should I do if called upon to act the smitten mate? I have no experience with love"s charades. As I watch Draknir"s retreating figure, I frantically try to imagine how a woman hopelessly in love would behave.

But the lingering imprint of Draknir"s lips on my cheek muddles any practice. Already he has a power over me beyond my control. I press a hand to my face, praying I can convincingly feign a passion not yet fully realized between us.