“I’ll be what?” I ask wide-eyed. Hael mirrors my expression, sitting on his bed with a book that slips from his fingers into his lap.

“You will be joining Lord Makai on a business trip to observe the mines of Isabe,” Higra repeats angrily because she hates repeating herself but she tends to cut me some slack. I’ve heard that she really likes my work ethic so I guess I’ve gotten some brownie points! But maybe that’s a bad thing because why else would she come to me for this job?

“Doesn’t Layne usually go with His Grace?”

“Layne has been given paternity leave.”

Hold up...what?

“Layne has been an excellent worker and Lord Makai has been gracious enough to give him time off to spend with his wife and their first child. Layne and I discussed and agreed that you would be the best fit to travel with His Grace in his stead. Is that a problem?”

Judging by Higra’s tone, it doesn’t matter if it’s a problem because this isn’t a request. It’s an order. After all, I’m not meant to ask. Just do as I’m told.

But traveling with Lord Makai? That probably means we’ll be alone together a lot. He’s not a conversationalist and I struggle in completely awkward and silent situations. What am I even meant to do on a trip?

“I wouldn’t say it’s a problem,” I answer nervously. I catch Hael shaking his head out of the corner of my eye. He definitely thinks it’s a problem, cool, technically I feel that way too, but saying no isn’t an option. “Wouldn’t it be better if you went? I’ve never personally served His Grace.”

“Old or not, a woman traveling with His Grace would not look good. You won’t leave for a further two weeks. During this time, I will teach you what you must do while on the trip. Serve His Grace well if you wish to keep your job.”

“Of course, absolutely, I’ll definitely...do my best.”

Higra rolls her eyes. It isn’t until her footsteps fade in the distance that Hael looks to me and says, “It was nice knowing you.”

I throw a pillow at him, which he easily dodges.

“I’m actually going to die on this trip.” I sigh and fall back onto the bed, kicking my legs childishly. “Why me?!”

“Higra likes you.”

“Why?”

“You’re a good worker.”

“Thanks, but fuck you.”

Being a good worker is meant to give rewards, like a raise, not more work for the moody vampire overlord. I don’t want to go on a trip. Why does he need someone to go? Wherever he’s staying, shouldn’t they have their own workers? He’s probably going to make me hold his coat or some shit. It’ll be so boring and he’ll be so moody. I don’t wanna! Why can’t he be like the other lords that just hire someone to check for them? Suppose if he did that, he would never leave the mansion. Not like he has friends to visit...when I think like that it even makes me depressed. Wow.

“I guess...it’ll be cool to see the mines?” I say more to myself than Hael, who snorts in response.

“It’s a dangerous hole in the ground, especially during winter. What about that is interesting?”

“I’ve never been to Isabe.”

At least Hael nods at that.

“It’s a big town thanks to the mines. I imagine we’ll stay in a hotel, even if I’m in the servant quarters so traveling is a perk, yeah?”

“You’re trying really hard to convince yourself that this is ok.” Hael laughs. “Keep at it, but it won’t actually change anything.”

“Your words hurt me.”

Hael shrugs. “Take notes with Higra. Although Lord Makai agreed to your appointment, that doesn’t mean he’ll cut you any slack. Layne has been a loyal servant here for twenty years.”

Twenty years?! That has to mean he was a teenager when he started. He’s been with Lord Makai that long? Wait—

“How long has Higra been here then?” I ask.

“Around forty years, I think?”

I gape. If Lord Makai is truly as bad as everyone says he is, which by my observations he’s not, then why would both Higra and Layne have been here for so long? Most of the workers here last around five years or less. Higra and Layne though, they have been here the longest for sure and that confuses me.

Sure, the guy is cranky and scary, but he hasn’t done anything cruel...other than killing in self defense. What my point is, I’m really starting to think people just hate him because of the vampire thing over everything else. Otherwise, Higra and Layne probably would have left by now. They certainly could find another noble to serve with all their experience.

Maybe that’s a good sign, or Layne and Higra are simply insane. So long as I pay attention to Higra’s instructions and remember what to do, the trip should be fine.

The following week Higra does as she said and teaches me how to work for Lord Makai while away. I am informed we will be at a hotel that will have staff on hand so things like laundry or cleaning will be done by them.

However, I am tasked with preparing snacks and beverages. Apparently he refuses to accept anything from outside his staff. When I ask why, Higra glares at me again. I get it, no questions, but I’m curious. It’s weird! The hotel has a cooking staff that will not only brew some hot tea but also bring it up, so why me?

Obviously she doesn’t explain and goes on to express that I’ll carry luggage or, as expected, his damn coat. If he needs an errand ran, that’ll be me, or if he wishes to have a letter sent. I’m there for him to order around, as is my job already, but it is a bit nerve wracking. There are a few things Higra brings up, certain new rules.

I will meet the head of the mine and possibly other aristocrats that may have business there. Higra teaches me how to properly stand in their presence, bow, speak, and set a table. I am not to speak in meetings or address nobles prior to them speaking first. So many rules that are taught over and over again (I do know some of the basics though) while I’m wishing I could take note of them, but I can’t.

To rub it in, when the first week comes to an end and Higra expresses that I’ll be practicing by attending to Lord Makai’s needs for the next week, she hands me a sheet of paper. I stare at the scribbled words that mean nothing to me when she says, “I’ve made a few notes for you to remember. Study this, take it with you and take some of your own over the week.”

I slip the paper into my pocket, trying my best to keep a straight face. “Thank you, I’ll do that.”

“Now, brew Lord Makai’s tea and take it to his room.”

His bedroom? I’ve never been in there. For some reason I imagine him sleeping in a coffin. Guess it isn’t some reason, that’s what all the old fairy tales say about vampires. Although they were made by writers that probably never met a vampire. Then again, who knows? Maybe one managed to ask. I’m just trying to distract myself from the fact that I’ll be waking Lord Makai. Something tells me he’s not a good morning person.

At least Higra is with me to make sure I do a good job. Kind of late to check because if I don’t pan out well, who will go?

Knocking at Lord Makai’s door, I announce that I’ve brought his tea. A quiet hum mixed with a growl follows. Not surprising.

When the door opens, there’s no light save for that coming from the hallway. The room is pitch black, the deep purple curtains drawn to block the sun. Stepping inside, there’s a living room first, a giant fireplace with two couches and a coffee table with bookshelves and end stands along with a terrace, much like his office. To the right is the actual bedroom, one step up. It’s hard to move about when there’s no light.

Higra is waiting by the doorway, watching with a quiet gaze as I walk to Lord Makai’s bedside. The bed is massive, far too big for one person. Even without light I see the soft shine of black silk and a purple comforter wrapped around his form. His eyes are glowing bright red, like a cat in the dark. I barely make out that his hair is a complete mess. But he combs it back with his hand, sitting up afterwards with a low groan so the blankets coil around his bare waist.

“Your tea, Lord Makai.”

I hold out a cup. His hand is cold as ice and nails so long they clink against the glass. But he takes the steaming cup and sips from it while I wait patiently to hear if it’s to his satisfaction. Higra said it was ok. Seeing as he doesn’t immediately spit it out, that’s a good sign.

“Would you like me to open the curtains?” I ask.

He nods.

I head over to pull back the drapes, allowing the morning sun to come in. Finally the room is lit and maybe I’m too curious not to try and glance around, only to be disappointed. The room is rather...plain? It’s massive and has furniture but there are no paintings or signs of someone living here. Make the bed and it’d look like every other guest bedroom, only bigger. There’s no personality at all.

Even in my bedroom I’ve managed to purchase a painting and put it up. I found one that reminded me of the farm and Hael has so many books that it’s obvious an avid reader is in the room. But Lord Makai? There’s nothing. It’s bare and dead.

“Aren’t you meant to be doing something?” Lord Makai asks, causing me to spin on my heel to find him leaning back in bed with an empty cup.

His eyes are narrowed, same as Higra. Seems I took too long being nosy.

I flush a bit, making sure to keep my eyes on his face. He’s not wearing a shirt and he’s far more chiseled than I expected...not that I was thinking about it before. Whatever, my boss is half naked and he needs to put a shirt on.

“Right, I’m sorry.” I bow nervously and rush back to his side to pour another glass.

Nobles are so lazy, and judging by how long I have to wait by his bedside for him to finish the pot, I can tell this is going to be an obscenely long trip.

♱♱♱