“I don’t think I am.”
I nod to the girls. “Ignore him. You know, men. They like to act big and scary,” I say cheekily. The girls laugh.
“Daddy does, too,” Alfrea whispers as she rushes over to me. “You’re so pretty.”
“I love your hair,” Sarena says as both girls begin staring at me.
“Your eyes are so beautiful,” Alfrea adds.
“Aw, thank you, you are both so pretty, too!” I say sweetly.
“And you have pretty lips,” Sarena states, now observing me with fascination.
“She’s very pretty. Is she a princess?” Alfrea asks.
“Aiy, she’s a stunner, we can see that. Now, be polite and go wash up, girls. Dinner will be on the table soon,” Dorene scolds them.
“Sit down, Kai, come, make yourself at home,” Alfren says, motioning for Kai to take the seat next to me. He’s too tall for this small home, as he keeps his head low so he doesn’t knock into the rafters. He sits down beside me, folding his long legs against his chest as he sits on the stool. His leg brushes mine, and we look at each other.
I smile slightly, my gaze flicking to his lips before I look away swiftly.
“So, have you been travelling far?” Alfren asks as he sits down across from us and begins to remove his boots.
“Yes, it’s been a few days,” Kai answers.
Alfren nods. “Are you travelling for any specific reason?” he asks.
It’s an innocent question, but even I don’t know what Kai wants to tell them, so I simply leave it to him to answer.
“Well, there is a lot of unrest where we’re from. It’s quite close to the opening of the veil,” Kai says without hesitation. He sure has thought this through.
Alfren sighs. “Ah, that makes sense. I heard there’s plenty of hope across the veil, in a world very different from this one,” he muses. “Have you ever considered going through to the other realm?”
“Not really, we just want to find a peaceful place to set up home.” Kai smiles at me, and I put on a coy smile.
“Yes, besides, those openings are dangerous, what with it being the gateway for Varkhazan to bring his men in from,” I say lightly, refusing to look away from Kai’s smouldering eyes when I speak.
“It is scary, but you know we dryads are peaceful. All we want is to live peacefully and raise our kids. What with Morcant being so ruthless, and then the army of the tyrant Varkhazan from another world? What we need is a just ruler,” Alfren says, his eyes are shadowed, and he looks older than he is.
“Alright, dear, let’s not bore them with that. Come, let’s eat,” Dorene says as she motions us to the table. There are four chairs, and she’s got two stools added. “Take the chairs.” She motions to us.
“Thank you,” I say as Dorene tells us to begin helpingourselves. “May I ask what exactly about Morcant’s ruling is it that bothers you down here? I’ve lived quite sheltered my entire life until I married Kai, and every town and village has its own experiences, so forgive me for my ignorance.”
The couple exchange looks. “Morcant’s taxes on the land folk, including his control over the water supplies, are unjust. Sometimes we don’t even have water to drink. It’s a vital tool that all living beings need,” Alfren explains, helping himself to some fish and bread.
I nod, taking some bread and potatoes. “I heard it’s worse in some areas,” I admit. Although I had never really heard of it firsthand, there were rumours.
“Then, not to mention the sea sirens drowning poor fishermen and destroying entire ships and never being held accountable,” Dorene adds sadly. “I lost my parents like that. Good, innocent folk.”
“I’m sorry,” I say softly, wishing that everyone could live fairly and equally. I know sea sirensdidattack ships. Some did it for fun, as it’s in their blood to do that. But what’s wrong is wrong. I also know that.
“And then this Varkhazan, the coward, doesn’t dare come to this world himself but sends his dogs to do his bidding. He’s as bad as Morcant!” Alfren grunts as their daughters come rushing back in.
“We washed up!”
I steal a glance at Kai, whose face is an emotionless mask. If only they knew they were feeding one of Varkhazan’s most loyal men and the daughter of Morcant.
The thought makes my own gut twist. I was starving, but suddenly I’ve lost my appetite.
