“He wouldn’t do that,” Lupin responded with an amused snort. “He’s not a cannibal. The demons, on the other hand…”
I groaned. “You’re an evil wizard. I knew not to trust you.”
“Evil is a bit of a stretch. It’s also subjective.” He pushed back from the windowsill. “My advice to you? Have an open mind and take advantage of the opportunity you’ve been given. All of the happiness you’ve only ever dreamed of is at your fingertips, Evan.”
He then ducked out of sight.
“Lupin? Wait.” I rushed to the window and peered out into the courtyard. It was as if he’d vanished into thin air. Irritating wizard. He couldn’t just pop up, say he’d sent me to a damn fantasy world, and then disappear, leaving me on my own.
The door swung open, and I flipped around.
Callum entered the room, holding a tray with a plate, a small bowl, and a mug. He frowned. “You’re not trying to escape, are you?”
“No,” I quickly said. “I was just taking in the view.”
“Come eat. I brought eggs, strawberries, oats, and water.” Callum placed the tray on the table beside the bed. “I also snuck you some bread fresh from the oven. As thanks for the shoes.” He smiled down at said shoes.
“I should be the one thanking you for this awesome food.” I plopped back down on the bed and wasted no time before shoving the bread in my mouth. It was still warm, and I groaned. “Carbs. Oh, how I love thee. All that’s missing is some coffee.”
“Coffee?”
I paused in my chewing. “You don’t have coffee here? Say you’re joking.”
“Oh, we have it,” he said. “I was only surprised you have a taste for it. I find it much too bitter. The beans can be purchased in the market. Although, the highest quality is only accessible to nobles.”
“I’ll take any quality, as long as it’s coffee.” I was too desperate to be picky. “When can I have a cup?”
“As soon as you’re cleared by the captain, you should be able to visit the marketplace. I would bring you some, but we only have tea or water.”
“Any idea how long it’ll take the captain to get the stick out of his butt? I’m used to at least three cups of coffee per day. Minimum. I’ll start going through withdrawals soon. Then, I might cry.”
“Please don’t cry,” Callum said. “I’m not good with tears.”
“I find that hard to believe. I don’t know you well, but you seem like a genuinely sweet guy. You probably give really big hugs.” I nibbled more bread.
He seemed almost shy. “I’ll leave you to your meal.” He headed for the door but stopped as he reached it. “For what it’s worth? I believe you’re a sweet person too. While I’m unsure who you are or where you came from, I don’t think you’re a threat to us. The captain will see that soon. Just give him some time.”
The center of my chest warmed. “I appreciate that.”
He tipped his head to me before leaving the room.
A positive about the kingdom of Bremloc? The food was amazing. I ate every bit of it and had to force myself not to lick the bowl clean. I placed the dishes back on the tray and walked over to the window.
A warm breeze came through, and I breathed it in, feeling much better than I had earlier. Not only because of my full belly either. After the most bizarre and confusing morning I’d ever had, I finally had some clarity. This wasn’t a Renaissance festival filled with actors in costume. This was a legit fantasy world. And although a part of me was nervous about that, my stomach fluttered with excitement.
I had often dreamed of being swept away to the places I’d read about in books. With one chance meeting with a hot wizard in a traveling magic shop, that had become a reality. If I was stuck there for the foreseeable future, I might as well make the most of it.
“Starting with some exploring.” I turned from the window and neared the door, yanking it open…
Only to be met with a sneering face.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Captain Maddox asked. He was an immovable object in the doorway. Tall and muscled. And oh, so big.
“Nowhere. Just, um…” I tried to peek around him, and he shifted in front of me. I caught a glimpse of a tree though. The room wasn’t inside the main part of the castle like I’d assumed and was instead part of its own section of housing. “Am I not allowed to get some fresh air?”
“You can breathe the air fine from your room. There’s a window.”
“So, this is how it’s gonna be, huh?” Sighing, I rocked back on my heels. “I’m like Rapunzel trapped in her tower. No escape apart from the lone window to stare out of and dream of freedom. I even have the blond hair… but mine’s shorter. Like, way shorter. Not long enough to use as a rope. I don’t mind if it’s pulled a little though. But anyway. At least you fed me.”
