10
DINNER WITH THE ELF KING
Ahalf hour later, I was in my rooms with several elves scrubbing at my hands and feet. I yelped when the female at my feet scrubbed too close to my arches.Sweet Christmas, it tickled!
“Are you sure this is all necessary?” I asked Rafia who had become a proficient torturer.
She had maids whisking in and out with bowls of hot soapy water and jars of salves that smelled of fresh mint, avocado, raspberries. They scrubbed and rubbed down my feet, massaged my arms and clipped my disgusting cuticles with skillful fervor as I laid out on my couch in quite an undignified manner.
It didn’t take long before I realized how much I loved the pampering. My body relaxed into the large pink floral couch, and I had to hide a sigh. I couldn’t let Rafia know how much I was enjoying this. but—oh my.
“It’s good, isn’t it?” Rafia beamed a knowing smile. “These are my cousins.”
The four females with varying shades of pink hair smiled down at me and nodded.
“They do good.” Was all I could think to say. One of the females had my shoulders in a grip and relaxed my stress away with every massage.
“Your dressmaker will be Saphronia,” Rafia said. “Her schedule takes years to work into, but she has a curiosity when it comes to humans. But she is also my cousin, and she owes me.”
How many cousins did Rafia have?
“I really could use some new work dresses, too,” I added, not feeling guilty for one second. The king’s brother had authorized clothes, and I’d be crazy not to take advantage of the generosity. It was the least they could do for taking me away from my mother and sister.
I smiled when a pink-haired, full-figured female burst into the room followed by several other elves carrying bundles of dresses and fabrics. She looked almost as if she could be Rafia’s sister.
Saphronia fixed me with the full intensity of her pink eyes and clapped her hands. “Everyone out.”
With a jump, my massagers fled.
“Goodbye friends!” I called after them, sorry to see them leave. “Come back soon.”
I closed my eyes and reveled in perfect relaxation when Saphronia yanked on my hand.
“Up! Up!” Saphronia exclaimed. “We have only a few hours to get you presentable to dine with the Elf King. Let’s see what we have to work with.”
I stood on wobbly legs.
“Yes, she is quite lovely, Rafia. I can see the potential,” Saphronia said cheerily.
Heat colored my cheeks, and I smiled over at Rafia who nodded. I had no idea the elves would ever see me as lovely. I was pretty for a human. I knew that, but compared to theethereal beauty of the elves, I looked like a plain human covered in wavy mud hair.
“Brooke,” Saphronia called. “Please take her measurements while I look through the gowns I brought. We’ll have to tailor what we have on hand, but after tonight, you’ll have your pick.”
A human woman peeked out behind a pile of dresses. I almost yelped in surprise. One of Saphronia’s servants was a human? Brooke was petite and quite fetching in her uniform with her glossy black hair in braids and russet-brown skin. She nodded to me and brought over a roll of measuring tape.
“Hello,” I said. “I haven’t met any other humans here besides the two I came with.”
Brooke squeezed my hand. “Hello, dear.” Then she began her measurements.
“How long have you been here?” I asked. “Are you a master of craft, too?”
I had about a million questions, but the doe-eyed woman just smiled. “I’ve been here five years.”
“And you are a dressmaker?” I asked.
I couldn’t believe my luck. Another human who’d been here and alive for five years. She looked healthy and confident in her place.
Pink colored her cheeks as she measured my arm lengths. “I am now, but I was brought here as a maiden.”
