Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
It’s awkward as fuck.
And I believe him. He’s so into his job, but he’s not a bodyguard.
“It’s… um… I understand you meant well.” But I did almost get killed. “Maybe next time be more wary?”
Reiner hides his face, cowering in front of me as if he’s playing some lowly wretch in a high school play. “I’ve worked here for over two hundred years, and I have never failed so completely. From now on, I shall be a paragon of good service and obedience!” he declares in a shaky voice.
What? Two hundred years? He doesn’t look a day over thirty. But everything falls into place as soon as I take my time to consider it. Those people are elves after all.
“Just… do better,” I say, remembering what Marty told me after my latest fuck up at work. Am I, like, the manager now?
I’m mortified when Reiner kisses the tip of my silk slipper, but he’s back up before I can say anything. “I will. The service I shall provide will be unrivaled by anything you’ve ever experienced.”
Clearly, he has no concept of what kind of life I led before Kyran swept me off my feet in the parking lot of Best Burger Bonanza.
I wonder if anyone is searching for me yet.
“I’ve got no doubt. You have two hundred years of experience after all, am I right?” I give a nervous laugh, because he’s about to undress me, and that’s weird. I might have to assert myself once I know how to handle the clothes he brought for me.
“Indeed, Master Luke. Yesterday’s mistake is a stain on my whole career in the service of this royal family, but I hope to stay here and make up for my crime.”
I struggle to keep my face straight. Did I almost die yesterday? Yes. But is the way he speaks hilarious? Also yes.
“So how old are you? Or is that rude to ask?”
Reiner clears his throat. “I’m an experienced two hundred forty-eight years old. The oldest of all the servants at this court,” he says, straightening his reed-thin form. “Every single year in service has been a joy.”
I ponder that as I take off my robe and nightshirt and he hands me a garment reminiscent of… cycling shorts of soft black cotton. I’m assuming it’s their version of underwear.
Every day working in customer service was a pain in the ass for me, so I struggle to understand Reiner’s desire to please.
“You didn’t want to do anything else? For two centuries?”
Reiner shakes his head and turns, opening the chest to reveal a sea of shimmery black fabric. I take this opportunity to quickly put on the boxer shorts-like garment.
“No, this is the perfect place to live and work. Safe. I don’t have anyone making sure I’m fed and well,” he says, reminding me of the heroic way Kyran saved me yesterday. “There’s always something going on, I get to dress the members of a noble family in the most glamorous outfits, and there are plenty of handsome men to pick from in my time off. What’s not to like?”
I snort, surprised at how candid he’s being. “You have time for men?”
Reiner smirks without meeting my eyes. “I make the time when I deem it worth my while. Though mastery in any kind of work takes effort. I’m proud to be in the position I am, attending the Lord and his Dark Companion. It allows me to be part of something truly special.”
“What was the last Lord like?” I ask as he assists me in putting on a shirt made of black fabric that shimmers in the moonlight. Red thorns are embroidered on sleeves that have the most flamboyant volume.
“Stern,” Reiner tells me without hesitation. “Much sterner than His Highness Kyranis. He didn’t like to gamble nor go to the theater, nor take many lovers. Do you want me to be frank, Master Luke?” he asks, closing a long row of buttons at the front of my top.
“Yes.”
“He was a bit of a bore.”
I snort and shake my head. “Was a boring master better, or one who needs his sheets changed every night?”
The same shark skin, high-waisted breeches are given to me as soon as I put on a pair of stockings. They’re red this time, and I don’t even feel self-conscious about them, because it’s the fashion here. I don’t have to worry about someone teasing me because of my style, despite this outfit being way more flamboyant than anything I could afford with my meager earnings.
Reiner scoffs. “I do not judge my betters for their choices.”
He absolutely is, but I let him get away with this lie and grin as he continues talking.
“I can hardly blame His Highness. Your beauty is way beyond that of all the other Dark Companions at present.”
When he hands me a thick vest that needs tying at the back, I feel encased. Safe. It’s like armor I can face the world in.