Page 17 of Elves and Espresso

“Say something,” I whispered to Aleixo. “Anything.”

“Why should I?” he whispered back intensely as we turned a corner to follow the self down the hall. She was laughing at something she’d said, although we had no idea what.

“Because I interrupted her last time!” I elbowed him a second time. “Say anything.”

“I don’t want to. She seems nice.”

“She’ll never stop talking if you don’t,” I hissed through gritted teeth.

She spun around and faced us with a beaming smile, continuing on like nothing, “Of course that option is also available for your children, once they join, and we also have roast beef and potatoes if lamb isn’t really your type.”

I opened my mouth, then closed it awkwardly. I couldn’t even recall half the foods she had listed. Was it lamb and rice? Or had she mentioned chicken and potatoes? Oh dear, I truly could not recall anything.

“I will have the chicken and carrots, please.” His arm wrapped around me, and when I began to pull away, it tightened. “And my wife will have the roast beef and potatoes.”

“Oh, you two make such a fine couple,” she gushed as she unlocked the door before us, holding it open so we could enter.

Aleixo pulled me in closer, pressing a kiss to my hairline. I wanted to deck him, but I leaned in, forcing a smile. “We certainly do,” I murmured through the false smile.

“I’ll leave the key for the adjoining door here and send your meal up shortly. I hope you enjoy your stay here at The Cosy Lamb. When I first opened this inn so many years ago—”

“I’m sure the story is a lovely one, but I really must get my wife some rest. She has been working so hard to reign in the little ones, and she is exhausted and quite a sopping mess.” He held her arm and escorted her out of the room, talking over her with excitement and platitudes. “Thank you so much for such a warm welcome; we will certainly be down some other time to hear this fascinating story. Thank you, yes, and goodnight.”

He closed the door swiftly as I watched, admiration clear in my eyes. He flashed a quick wink in my direction as he turned the lock. Walking across the room, he opened the door to the next room. “Knock when you look half decent and dinner has arrived. And let Dewdrop out from under your cloak, our hostess is long gone.”

Chapter Sixteen

It took longer than expected to comb through the knots in my hair. Perhaps it was due to the fact that I was using my fingers, but I didn’t have any other choice. I only had one change of clothes up my sleeve. Thankfully, there was a fire burning in the hearth, and I could hang my current dress to dry. The bottom was drenched in mud, but there wasn’t much that could be done for that. I’d have to let it dry on and then try cracking it off later.

Smoothing the dress I now wore, I smiled down at it. I wasn’t sure why I’d selected my favourite one, but perhaps I wanted one last thing to keep just for myself. It was a beautiful green that brought out the purple in my eyes—at least, that’s what Mother had told me once.

I thought of my mother less and less as time went on, but that’s how things were when you lost one at a younger age. I’d only been seven when the dark shroud claimed her. How did I know this was the green that brought out the violet in my eyes?

Because it was a dress she once owned that I had our seamstress alter to fit me. And wearing it made me feel like she was still near—like she existed, instead of the strange dream she often felt like.

The neckline was modest, but the sleeves were an off-shoulder design, and what sat around my shoulders was living moss that never withered. The sleeves billowed around my wrists, and they felt more than comfortable, they felt divine. A nice tanned fabric showed beneath the dress where it split open the further down it fell.

Yes, it was my favourite dress. The only piece I truly cared about from the life I’d just lived—a very different life than the one I was walking into. For deep down, I knew this would likely end with me as the realm’s queen.

I knew now that it was hopeless to run from the Realm Guard, but at least when he caught up, I’d have something that made me truly happy.

Other than Aleixo.

Oh. What a strange thought to suddenly be gripped by. He didn’t make me happy; he annoyed me to no end. Yet, my cheeks flushed and my heart pounded when I thought about that quick kiss. It was only on my forehead, and completely under false pretenses, so why did I love it so much?

A knock sounded, and I glanced at the connecting door, hesitating. I thought I was to be the one to knock? It sounded a second time, and I realized it must be our dinner arriving. When Dewdrop ducked under the blanket, I turned to open the door. Suzette beamed at me with a tray in her hands. There were the servings we had requested, along with extra portions.

“For the children,” she added, following my eyes. “Would you like me to come in and set this down somewhere? I could help you wrangle your children if you’d like. Of course, you’re welcome to just enjoy it in the silence. I know I can rattle on so…my husband often tells me so, such a delightfully silent type he is. Have you met him? No, of course not, you’ve only just arrived, and I took you straight up here.” She took in a breath, and I jumped in as quickly as I could.

“I don’t mind the talking.” I felt I had to reassure her. I knew what it was like to feel self-conscious of such things. Being told I was the grumpy one all the time wasn’t always a good feeling. “But I think after such a busy day, you should welcome the chance to put your feet up as well.”

She smiled at me and nodded as I closed the door. “Call if you need anything, darling!”

“Is she gone?”

I jumped as I spun around, Aleixo grinning at me. “I thought I was to knock for you before you came traipsing into my room.”

He smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry. In my hunger, I forgot. And since I heard your door open and Suzette prattling on, I assumed you were decently attired.” His eyes swept over me, and he raised a brow. “More than decently, I would add.”