Chapter 10
Chapter 1 0
Elpis
Keyon must have noticed my listless behavior because he said, “You must be exhausted. We’ll make one more stop, book a room at the inn, and get some food. Does that sound ok?”
“Mm-hmm,” I hummed, not feeling like talking. Keyon reached for my hand, but I avoided it and pretended that I needed to adjust my skirts. I didn’t look at his face and fidgeted with my fingers instead.
“Oh, right. I forgot.” Keyon paused in his steps for a moment before moving to a quiet spot away from the colorful, noisy booths. He grabbed the rucksack he’d bought and reached for the bundle and boots I’d stuffed under my arm. The male placed them neatly in the bag, which he passed to me with a small smile.
“Here, this is yours too. We just need to get you some essentials, then we can rest. Just a bit longer, Elpis.”
“Thanks…” I said and slung the bag over my shoulders. Ah, this was much more convenient. It was nice to have free hands at the moment. I felt like I could defend myself a little better if someone tried to grab me. “I like this bag… ”
Keyon guided me into a larger store that seemed to offer a variety of household items. A portly gentleman greeted us and asked if we needed any help.
“Yes. Can someone help her pick out an assortment of general feminine necessities? I’m not… versed on the subject, and she doesn’t have any yet,” Keyon explained.
The male glanced at me before yelling, “Adelais! A customer!”
A beautiful young female rushed in, holding her skirts away from her heels. Her long blackberry curls bounced with every step. “Yes?” she asked, out of breath.
“Before you leave with that shipment, can you help this lady pick out essentials? She doesn’t have anything at the moment, so you may have to explain some things.”
“Oh! Yes, happy to do so!” she said and waved for me to follow her. She picked up a wicker basket and pointed to little bottles and bars of soap, explaining their use. I was able to pick this up a little faster, having watched the servants bathe me time and time again. I eyed the straight razor with a little trepidation, and she laughed when she saw the expression on my face.
Adelais snuck me back to a private space with a bucket of water and soap, then explained how to use the razor without bleeding to death. I nicked myself once but slowly got the hang of it, so we added the blade to the basket. By the end of her tour, I had a decent amount of items, and she escorted me to the front to complete the purchase.
“Found everything?” Keyon asked, and I raised my hands a little.
“I think so?” I said and opened my purse nervously. I wanted to get it right this time.
Adelais told me the amount, and I picked through the coins, but my brain stopped working. Maybe I was just tired or still stressed from the smithy encounter, but I panicked, my brow growing dewy once more. When Keyon’s hand landed on my shoulder, I nearly jumped out of my slippers.
“Hey, just breathe. It’s ok. Want me to go over the amounts with you again?”
I nodded, both embarrassed and relieved, and he dug out a variety to explain again. Finally, I handed the correct amount over to the female and muttered, “Sorry about that…”
She gave me the sympathetic look I was starting to see a lot of around here and said, “Good luck out there. The world’s a big place, but you’ll do just fine, sweet one.”
I looked up at Keyon and asked, “How does everyone know?”
He twisted his lips in a sad smile. “Some people are just very observant, but they mean you well.”
I nodded and placed my nearly full rucksack on the counter to store the items. The lady dropped something else into my bag, but she did it so fast I couldn’t tell what it was. Another gift? I guess I’d find it later.
I swung my bag on and shyly said, “Thank you for your help…” The female waved it off and wished me luck again.
We stepped out, and I released a massive, weary exhale. I was exhausted already, physically and emotionally. My stamina here was lacking. Keyon squeezed my shoulder and said, “Let’s get a room at the inn so you can rest a bit. Then we’ll eat.” Though he didn’t try to hold my hand again, I stayed close, nearly bumping into him a couple times.
We entered a long, three-story building and were greeted by a very distracted worker. The poor thing was balancing a tray, dragging a chair, and had a notepad in her mouth.
“Nooking foa roo?” she asked breathlessly through the pad, and Keyon nodded. How he knew what she said was beyond me! She put down the tray, removed the notepad from her mouth, and ran to grab a ledger. “We’re pretty booked up from the market, but we have a suite available. It’s a little more expensive than the normal room, but the cheaper ones are all taken…” she said, looking certain that we’d turn and leave.
“That’s fine,” Keyon said and handed her some coins after they went over the prices and services. I eyed his purse. He wasn’t even putting a dent in it! I tugged on his sleeve.
“Can I pay for my half?” I asked, but he looked offended .
“I’d rather you didn’t. Technically, this is still an escort, so you shouldn’t be paying for anything,” he answered, sounding slightly grouchy. Turning back to the servant, he asked if they could have some food sent to the suite. She nodded, gave him the room number, and rushed off to the kitchen to place the order.
Keyon led me up the stairs and unlocked the door to our room. “Wowow!” I yapped and ran into the suite. I abandoned my bag on a canvas chair and dashed into another room to investigate. A huge bed! I dove onto it and bounced once before settling. I rolled off and ran into another room. A tiny kitchen! Wow! I barely heard Keyon’s laughter from the entryway as I explored the suite.
“It’s like a small mansion,” I whispered before rushing to find the bathroom. Ah, there was a porcelain tub! I needed a bath so bad. “Keyon?” I called out from the bedroom. “Can I take a bath?”
“Don’t ask permission. Just go take one!” he yelled from the other room. “Free women control their own bathing destinies.”
“Thank you!” I shouted unnecessarily, grabbed my bag, and scrambled excitedly to use the new items from the store. It was good she’d told me what each one was because I couldn’t read, and I was able to identify the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. There was a bottle in there I didn’t recognize and realized that must have been what she’d snuck in earlier.
“Keyon?” I asked and walked out to the room where he was seated, drinking water. “What’s this? She put it in there but never told me what it was, and I can’t read.” I handed him the bottle, and once his gaze landed on it, he choked and sprayed water everywhere.
“Oh my goddess!” I panicked. “Should I pat your back?” He shook his head and held up a finger, telling me to wait. I fidgeted worriedly while he struggled to clear his throat and breathe. After a couple minutes, he coughed out the last of it and leaned back with a groan, closing his eyes.
“Are you ok?” I squeaked, wishing I hadn’t shown him the bottle now. Was it bad?
“Yup.” He cleared his throat one last time. “I’m all right, Elpis. ”
I stood there for another long moment, waiting. “So… what is it?”
He scrubbed a hand over his face and rested it over his eyes. “She gave you lube, Elpis. I’m guessing she wanted to empower your… other destinies.” Whatever I could see of his face was bright red, and he muttered, “The women in this town, I swear to the Sun God Himself…” He returned the bottle to me and said in a gruff voice, “Anyway, it says it’s warming and tingling… so… yeah… enjoy it... or… not… whatever… I guess…” I backed up quietly while he continued to mutter and escaped to my bath.
I tossed the bottle into the bag, frowning. I’d never touched myself in the way the sex slaves described. I couldn’t really imagine getting in the mood when I was sitting in a cage with another female in a cold room full of depressed slaves. Not only did I not know enough about it, but I also didn’t really feel like trying because my instincts were screaming for something else. I didn’t think I’d ever get the sight of Keyon’s erect cock out of my mind, and I blushed madly at the memory of catching him in the midst of his finishing.
What a gorgeous beast! my mind howled. I had to agree with it. I grabbed my heated cheeks and shivered.
The food arrived as soon as I jumped out of my accident-free bath. All products had been used correctly, and no bleeding occurred under the wrath of the straight razor! My muscles were sighing in relief, and I felt like I’d finally washed away the last of the mansion. Wrapping a towel around myself first, I burst out of the bathroom to get to my brand-new clothes, squealing like an excited hatchling. Keyon watched me pass with a bewildered expression.
“Food… is… here…” he announced falteringly.
“Coming!” I squawked from the bedroom. I yanked open my rucksack and spilled the entire contents of the dress shop onto the bed. Oh gods, what should I choose? I put on the underwear and melted when I snapped on the bra. What a difference support made, oh my goddess. My bosom had never known such happiness .
I wriggled into the rose-gold dress and ran my hair through a comb. Then I shoved my feet back into the slippers and opened the bedroom door a crack to see where Keyon was. He sat with his back to me, eating slices of meat and cheese from a tray. I cleared my throat to get his attention.
When Keyon turned, he raised his brows. I jumped into the room with my hands on my hips, proclaiming, “I am a brand-new free person, and my name is Elpis… Eukadoka?” I had started quite confidently but ended on a very uncertain note. Shit! I forgot my own last name!
Keyon laughed, a deep rumbling sound that made my toes curl in my slippers. He stood and walked over to where I was. “Eudokia,” he said with a chuckle. “You were very close, though.”
“Eudokia, Eudokia, Eudokia!” I chanted, furrowing my brows. I couldn’t forget my own name! Keyon was watching me with a slight smile, and his gaze ran over my outfit.
“You look nice, Elpis,” he said with an expression I couldn’t decipher. “I’m glad you got what you needed here. You deserve more, much more, but that’ll happen when we find you a place to… settle,” he said, hesitating at the end. He then perked up and gestured to the table laden with fruit, cheese, meat, and bread. “Come eat! The food’s quite good.”
I hurried to sit and shoveled food into my mouth, despite Keyon telling me not to eat so fast. How could I resist such delicacies, though? We saw many of these foods at the parties but were never even allowed a taste. When I popped a piece of cheese into my mouth, I groaned, palming my cheeks in delight.
“You have no idea, Keyon. You have no idea what it’s like to go from what I was... to this. I feel like I’ve been put into a different person’s life!” I shared after swallowing. I picked out a different cheese and wrapped it in a thin slice of meat.
He studied me with understanding eyes and a sad smile. “No, I definitely don’t know, moonflower, but based on the faces you’re making, I can definitely imagine.” He moved his stare to the food on the table and fidgeted with a grape. “Nothing makes me happier knowing I was the person who could show it all to you.”
Sir Keyon
Elpis was always beautiful, but right now, she was glowing. Her sudden happiness made her bloom brighter than any moonflower under the glowing night sky. I tried not to stare at her while she ate, but it was too hard to avoid. Everything was so precious to her. I’d never seen anyone appreciate plain bread the way she did.
I got a fun idea and grabbed a slice of bread. Holding it out with a thumb and forefinger, I blew a gentle fire over it until it was a nice golden brown.
“Toast!” Elpis cried out, laughing.
What? Toast asked groggily. Someone say my name?
Go back to sleep, Toast. Just feeding Elpis.
Nah, I’m awake now…
I held up a finger to Elpis and placed some meat and tomatoes down on the toast. I sprinkled the top with pieces of cheese and hit it with another breath of fire to melt it. Elpis was watching what I was doing with rapt attention, her nostrils flaring. I handed the melt over to her and leaned back with a smirk.
“Careful,” I warned, smug as fuck. “It’s hot.”
Elpis blew on it and took a conservative bite. Her eyes widened, and she didn’t bother to finish chewing to speak. “Mohm my moddesh, mishish amazing!” She kicked her feet excitedly and ate it as fast as she could without burning her tongue. I made her another one, immensely pleased by her enthusiastic response.
I think it is becoming enjoyable to feed her, Toast said cautiously. Providing feels good .
Oh, I’m loving it. Look at her face! I replied happily. You’re doing well today, Toast. You keep surprising me.
I kind of have to, he said darkly. You saw all those males watching her! I’d rather endure her closeness than let one of those beasts get any ideas.
I think you’re enduring better than you’re letting on.
It… It’s not an easy thing to admit, Keyon. I don’t want you thinking I’m having an easy time of it just because it’s getting easier to bear.
You know I wouldn’t, I answered. I just want to make sure we’re both being honest with ourselves. That’s all.
Right… just… you keep those males away, and I’ll keep… adapting the best I can…
You know I will, I growled possessively. I must have growled out loud because Elpis gave me a startled look. “Sorry,” I said to her, popping one last grape in my mouth. “Was just thinking about something.”
“About what?” she asked curiously, nibbling on an apple. Her soft, pale lips were pressed tight around its skin. Oh, how I fucking wished my cock was that apple... minus the chewing part.
I shook my head and cleared my addled brain. What was I saying? “Oh, uh.” I thought quickly and did find a somewhat truthful reply. “I just realized I forgot to post a letter. We’re going to have to step out one more time before we can fully retire. We can eat dinner downstairs later so we won’t have to leave once we get back.”
“Ah…” she said simply and placed the apple back down, perhaps to finish later. “I’m ready.” She tossed her damp hair over her shoulders, and once again, I wished she was a dragon like me so I could dry it for her.
We stepped back out onto the street, and it looked like they were setting up for the night market. It’d be fun to show Elpis around after dark, but I was afraid it’d be too stressful for her. Toast was also becoming incredibly fired up and territorial. This was the first time he’d ever had to be wary of males as well as females, so going into a crowd now was absolutely pushing his limits. I had to make this errand fast.
I hunted down the post office and grabbed some flowery stationery to write my message:
Dearest Leofwine,
My lover, my life, my sunset sky! I simply can wait no longer to see thee! I’ve been burning for your touch for two… no… has it been three weeks? I can’t be sure as time slows between our dalliances! I wish I could fly to thee, but alas, my sad human feet know naught but dirt. Please, oh please, come see me!
Your Amorous Lover, Berhta
I hesitated, then turned to Elpis with a grin. “If I gave you a piece of paper, do you think you could copy these symbols? I’ll teach you reading and writing later, but this could actually be helpful for me,” I asked.
Elpis appraised the page with a raised eyebrow and said, “I could try… looks fun.” I grinned excitedly and handed her a fresh sheet of the flowery stationery and a pen. I showed her how to hold the pen, then unleashed her. Oh, this was fantastic. Not only would the wrong hands be unable to recognize my handwriting, but it’d also confuse the shit out of Leofwine—which was always a bonus.
I watched as Elpis finished copying the letter. It was a beautiful disaster, but you could definitely tell what it said. “It’s perfect!” I praised her. “I wish I could just keep it and frame it for myself.”
She blushed and pivoted bashfully. I paid to have it posted and expedited, then left the office with a bounce in my step.
“What was the letter for?” she asked.
I pulled the original out of my pocket and read it in a very feminine voice, which had Elpis staring at me like I was a madman before she broke into laughter .
“What in the goddess? Berhta?” she gasped between giggles.
“One night,” I shared, leaning down a little to speak under my breath while grabbing her hand, “my friend, Leof, and I got outrageously drunk. And I mean, we were flat-out hammered. He’d just told me this funny story about how one of his spies used the wrong code word in a message so when his supply drop came, he received a box of wigs instead of scent removers. Funniest shit Leof’s ever seen happen, and apparently now when they complete a successful mission, they take the wigs out to the taverns.
“Anyway, I digress.” I waved my other hand to move on to my point. “That night, Leof and I came up with our own code in the form of love letters. I was laughing so hard, I nearly pissed my pants at one point.”
Elpis was snorting with laughter now and pointed to my letter. “So I’m guessing that letter does not mean what it says it does.”
I shook my head with a grin. “Nope. Not at all.” I let us into the suite when we returned and said, “It basically says that he needs to meet me at the mountain cabin in two to three days. I wasn’t sure about how long it’d take since we’d be on foot. It’ll be easy for him to fly and check.”
“Wow, you’d never know,” she said thoughtfully. “You sound quite practiced writing love letters.”
Is she digging for information? Toast inquired. Signs of jealousy are good, right?
Not good for her, I replied.
“Writing that kind of stuff is easy,” I replied dismissively to Elpis.
She didn’t seem satisfied with that response and pressed, “Is it? You don’t have someone you… write to?”
Yes, definitely digging. Maybe she’ll be less distracted by males now. Encourage her! Toast implored.
“No, Elpis, I don’t have any females at home waiting for me if that’s what you’re asking,” I answered a little dryly. “Or males,” I added as an afterthought, in case she thought I had another preference .
Her lips parted like she was about to say something, then she shut them. She stood, fidgeted, and said, “I’m going to take a little nap… I’m a little worn out…”
I heaved a sigh and leaned back in the chair to close my eyes a bit too. I was looking forward to leaving town. The crowds were putting an odd pressure on both her and Toast. In turn, that was stressing me out as well.
Maybe it’s time you try to say hello to her again when we leave town? I asked Toast.
I’m not sure I’m there yet…
Alright. Hatchling steps, big guy.
Hatchling steps.
I woke Elpis after it was dark so we could eat dinner. Keeping her hand securely in mine, I led her downstairs, deeply enjoying the leeway Toast was able to give me. The restaurant downstairs was more of a tavern than anything, and it was packed. I managed to find a table in a relatively quiet corner, and a waitress arrived to take our orders. When I opened my mouth to ask Elpis what she chose, I realized she couldn’t read the menu.
Not wanting to embarrass her, I asked, “Would you like anything to drink, Elpis? Water? Wine? I’m guessing not sangria.” I raised an eyebrow and chuckled.
“Definitely not sangria,” she agreed with a laugh. “Never, ever again.”