She could handle this kind of thing when they were alone in his room, but they were currently in front of hundreds of his men! And many of them were staring, too!
But as always, Kairen ignored her pleas and insisted that she settle on his lap. Cassandra was frustrated. She looked at him with an annoyed pout. Was there no end to his shamelessness!
“Good evening, My Lord,” said a man who was standing a few steps away, along with two younger servants.
He was probably supposed to assist Kairen during his meal, like was normal for the Imperial Family, but of course, the Prince had no need for that. However, to Cassandra’s surprise, he made a little gesture for the young man to approach.
“You. You’ll assist Cassandra from now on.”
“Cassandra?” repeated the man, confused.
Only then did he make the connection with the young slave on their master’s lap. That slave actually had a name! Regaining his composure, the man bowed lower.
“Understood, My Lord. How does the Lady need assistance?”
“Just do whatever she asks, and go with her whenever she leaves my tent.”
If the man was surprised by those orders, he made sure not to show it this time. Cassandra thought this man was obviously a trained Imperial Servant, not a soldier. He was too thin and too polite for that. He simply bowed.
“Understood, My Lord. This lowly servant will do so.”
Then, he stepped back a bit and stood there, waiting. The two young men behind him glanced at Cassandra, but when they realized she had seen them they immediately looked down again.
“Tonight’s dinner, My Lord.”
A large selection was provided, all presented on a large gold tray. Once again, Kairen had the best meat pieces, fish, fruits and bread. Cassandra felt her stomach tighten just by the sight of all the food. She felt like she hadn’t eaten in ages! Kairen caught her stare and chuckled softly, making her blush. He really never let an occasion to embarrass her go. Behind them, Krai growled loudly and laid down in the snow, circling their space with its huge body. Cassandra frowned.
“Isn’t Krai eating?”
“He went to hunt already,” replied Kairen. “Leave us alone.”
The servants bowed and left the place, leaving them, but they weren’t far enough from the soldiers to truly feel alone. The closest tables were only a few paces away, and Cassandra could see every man’s face. Kairen started eating, and so did she. She was starving and actually took a bit of the grilled fish on a stick. After eating for a while and watching the loud chattering, she remembered something.
“Nebora mentioned a food shortage. Are the soldiers alright?”
On the tables, as she looked around she couldn’t help but notice that indeed there wasn’t much meat, mostly vegetables that didn’t look too good either.
“The cold is chasing the biggest prey away. It’s hard to hunt enough for everyone.”
Cassandra slowly nodded. She didn’t know much about hunting. All the food she had ever gotten was either bought, stolen, or found.
As they kept eating, she noticed a few stares on her, but overall, most were too cautious of the Prince and his dragon’s presence to say anything. Though, Krai was only focused on Cassandra. The Black Beast watched every move she made with curiosity, tilting its head from time to time. She wondered if the dragon had anything to do while its master was at the camp. Maybe Krai would accompany her the next day?
“Cassandra.”
Kairen handed her a cup. Cassandra took it, but right before she brought it to her lips, she realized it wasn’t tea or water, but wine! It smelled strangely sweet and good, and felt warm in her hands.
“What is it?” asked Kairen after she had been staring at it for a bit too long.
“I’ve never had wine before.”
He smiled and drank his in one go. Cassandra was a bit more hesitant, and tasted just a small bit with her tongue. It was good! She had imagined it would be more sour, not actually sweet. She drank again, under Kairen’s amused eyes.
“You like it?”
She nodded, her cheeks a bit pink. She drank again, feeling the hot drink go down from her throat to her stomach, bringing her some warmth. After a while, Kairen frowned and took it away from her.
“Enough. You’ll get drunk.”
