Chapter 13: Chapter 13

KAMORA

Kamora and Jarosh entered the room meant for the young lord. She placed everything they had bought atop his desk and went to prepare his bed while he lingered near the entrance, his shoulders drooping.

“My lord,” she said after smoothing out the sheets, “you can come and rest.”

He shook his head, lips set in a pout. “I do not want to.”

Kamora let out a soft sigh and tilted her head. “You’re tired.” She gestured toward the bed with a small smile. “Why don’t you lie down and rest a bit? You’ll enjoy what we bought even more after that.”

“No! I want to eat them now!” he burst out, arms crossed stubbornly.

Kamora chuckled under her breath and shrugged. “Okay, fine.”

She walked to the table where she had arranged their snacks and pulled a chair out for him. With a dramatic sigh, he plodded over and sat, his eyes already locked on the treats.

One by one, she began to open the delicacies. She watched as his face lit up, eyes wide with anticipation. The tiredness faded from his features, replaced by pure excitement.

She bit back a laugh. He really did love food.

By the time she had everything laid out, he didn’t hesitate. He grabbed a pastry and stuffed his mouth full, chewing eagerly.

After a few bites, he paused and glanced at her. “Why aren’t you eating?” he asked, pointing to one of the treats.

Kamora gave him a small smile. “Thank you, my lord, but I don’t think it’s proper—”

“Oh, please,” he cut in, waving his hand. “It’s weird being the only one eating. It’s just us here. You can eat.” He pushed a snack toward her. “Here, take this.”

Kamora hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you,” she said softly.

They ate in silence, broken only by the occasional sound of Jarosh’s delighted hums and satisfied sighs. Kamora smiled to herself as she nibbled on her treat.

He really was enjoying himself.

Eventually, they both slouched against their chairs, full and content.

“That was good,” Jarosh murmured, a lazy grin spreading across his face.

Kamora’s smile faltered slightly, a prickle of unease creeping in. She hadn’t meant to eat so much.

If Claudia found out, she could only imagine what would happen. Still, the food had been too good to stop.

“Let’s do this again,” Jarosh said, turning toward her.

Kamora nodded slowly. “Hopefully, your father allows us. If he does, I’ll try to get the recipes for some of them.”

His eyes lit up instantly. “That would be very good! Then I can have them whenever I want!”

“You still have to eat proper food, my lord,” she said, raising a brow. “You don’t want to end up overweight.”

Jarosh huffed but didn’t argue.

Time passed. The room was quiet except for their soft breathing. They remained seated, both slumped against their chairs, the energy from earlier now replaced by a peaceful lull.

“Did you know that lady?” he asked.

Kamora turned to him. He wasn’t looking at her, his gaze instead far off, a slight furrow between his brows.

“I do not know her,” Kamora replied, her voice quieter now.

Jarosh was silent for a while before he asked, “Why don’t you sound sure?”

She hesitated. Should she tell him? He was only eight. Would he even understand?

Her thoughts tangled, trying to come up with a simple explanation. Then he turned and looked at her, his eyes sharp.

“I want the truth,” he said.

Kamora exhaled slowly. There was no point hiding it now.

“I do not recall my past,” she said, barely above a whisper.

Jarosh’s eyes widened. “Since when?”

“About eight years,” she answered, forcing a smile.

His expression shifted, something unreadable passing across his face. She continued before he could speak.

“If that woman is really my sister, I wouldn’t be able to remember her. I still doubt it, though. She’s Fae, and I am human. We can’t be related.”

“But what if you’re half-Fae?” he asked, his voice thoughtful. “There are people like that, you know. Fae and humans… They fall in love. They have kids. Half-breeds.”

Kamora had heard those stories, but since losing her memory, she had lived in a place where such unions were rare. Humans stayed with humans, and Fae with their own kind.

“If I were half-Fae, wouldn’t I show at least some Fae traits? No matter how small?”

Jarosh said nothing. He had no answer.

Kamora smiled and straightened up, beginning to clear the table. “Do not worry yourself, my lord. I’m sure that woman was just trying to trick us. Probably some new way to scam people.”

She turned to him with a warning look. “Do not ever talk to people you do not know. They could hurt you if they find out you’re a noble.”

Jarosh snorted. “I doubt that’s possible. Not when my father is still alive.”

Kamora frowned. “Even if he does come to save you, that’ll be the last time you ever set foot outside this house. Are you willing to take that chance?”

Jarosh sighed. “No.”

He stood and padded toward the adjoining bathroom. “I want to wash up. After that, I’ll go sleep.”

“Okay then,” Kamora said, gathering the plates. “I’ll take these away and come back in a few hours. Rest well, my lord.”

He waved a hand and disappeared into the bathroom.

Kamora packed the trash and quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.

It had been a long day, and she looked forward to a bit of peace. Her thoughts drifted to Petal—maybe she was free now.

She made her way to the kitchen, only to find it buzzing with activity. Petal wasn’t there. The maids were busy, probably preparing food for Lord Maroke.

Kamora sighed and dropped the trash into a large bin at the far side of the kitchen. It would be taken out later by whoever was assigned to the task that day.

As she stepped out of the kitchen, she bumped into someone and winced, quickly bowing in apology. “I’m so sorry,” she said, lifting her head.

The man before her turned pale as his eyes locked onto hers—his voice a whisper. “Kamora?”