Downfall

Chapter 4

Fortunately, the guy was way nicer than the King, having seen her discomfort and showing her the way to another room, clean and far from the stench of death, with a simple table and a couple wooden chairs to sit in.

Even his apron had been left behind.

"Hi." She started, sitting on one end of the mahogany table. "I'm Ase. Nice to meet you."

"Hello." He sightly bowed his head.

His dark hair where short, only an inch long, framing his face in a harsh way, together with the two little horns protruding from his forehead.

"Oh, you don't have to be formal with me, I am a slave just like you." She started, hoping to gain his trust. If this man had to feed her, she better get into his good graces.

He seemed hesitant. "I'm Rirgen."

A guy of few words. I see.

She smiled, trying to ease the mood, noticing he was still staring at her eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Rirgen." She cocked her head. "So, can you really help me find food? I am so hungry." Her tone way more dramatic than it should have been.

He finally unlocked his gaze from hers and started thinking.

"We have lakes, with fish. I can get some. And grain too, I can make flour."

Even though his appearance seemed rough, his tone was surprisingly gentle. She felt so stupid having been scared of him.

"You know about that?" Her eyes sparkled, gaining even more attention.

He nodded, sightly embarrassed. "I have been studying Angels' food too. You never know what the enemy is up to."

"That's very clever of you."

Her best way of trying to bond failed miserably, as he just nodded.

"I can get you the things, but I don't know how to make the food, how to cook. I know it should be cooked though..." His eyes like little black stones darting in all directions.

He looked so sweet, like a creme brûlée, hard on the outside, but so soft on the inside, if you just knew how to get there.

It would take time, but she felt there was a way to win him over...eventually.

Surprisingly, now the demons she did not feel so bad about were even two. Who knew...maybe she could eventually make friends here...somehow.

"It's ok, I can handle it!" She threw her palms on the table in the center of the room. "I just need a kitchen."

The perplexity on his face told her that he had no idea what that was.

"A place to cook, ideally with a stove...like a small fire, where I can put a pan on top and prepare the recipes."

"Tell me everything you need and I'll get it done." He stated.

"Really? Thank you!" She smiled then, really smiled.

And even though his skin was dark, she swore she could see him blushing.

Her stomach growled again, causing on him the same expression the King had made but a few minutes before.

She held her belly. "Hungry." Then made a guilty smile.

Surprise in his onyx eyes. "I'll fetch something right away."

Then flew out of the door before she could reply.