Page 29 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
Jack’s skin tingled.
People like Jack were beneath those like Avery. That was why they had servants. So they did not have to deal with lowly people like Jack. Even the servants who worked in places like this thought themselves above a hearth-and-kitchen-witch baker.
Jack glanced at Daniel, his posture and clothes so much better than his own.
Jack almost laughed. He knew so little about this echelon of people that he’d assumed Avery’s accent and nice clothes made him aservantin one of these homes.
How had Jack not realised last night at the Christmas markets how badly he’d misread Avery? He’d seen Avery spend an obscene amount of money on Christmas decorations withouta second thought. Jack should have worked it all out sooner. But he’d been too distracted by Avery’s excited smile and pretty golden eyes.
Jack looked around, his heart sinking more with every moment. He took a breath. He could taste the magic in the air. A lot of magic. His hands twitched. Magic spells for protection, security, and health. And it wasn’t done by a witch. Probably someone from the mage or sorcerer guild.
His hands sweat. He’d never been in a house like this. He’d never been invited. He couldn’t even get a job in a place like this.
Jack did not belong in Avery’s house. And he definitely did not belong with someone like Avery.
“This way, sir.” Daniel walked towards a closed door, posture impeccable. “Master Blaize is in the drawing room, waiting for you.”
What the fuck even was a drawing room? A place where people drew? Did Avery draw? What else did Jack not know?
Jack glanced down, so aware of his stained and scruffy work clothes, so out of place in this immaculate home. He spotted jam on his cuff. He rubbed at it. But of course, the stain remained.
Jack closed his eyes, trying to get control of his breathing.
But images of his uncle, aunt, and cousin reared their heads. His body flushed as he remembered the shame he’d felt standing on the doorstep with his brother, begging them for help.
As Jack followed Daniel, he felt exactly like he had that day at his aunt and uncle’s home. He could see his cousin staring blankly at him. He could see his aunt scoffing and hurling insults at him: “You’re acting like beggars in rags.” Then his uncle had slammed the door in his face.
Jack’s mouth dried.
Daniel opened the polished wooden door.
Jack felt so small, so insignificant, and entirely inadequate.
I don’t fucking belong here.
CHAPTER 16
Jack stepped past Daniel into the drawing room. He shoved his hands into his pockets, trying not to feel like a piece of shit on legs in the extravagant room.
“Jack!” Avery rose from a chair, a smile splitting his face.
“Avery.” Jack smiled back, but he could feel the tightness in his lips. “Good to see you.”
Avery crossed the room and embraced Jack. Jack stiffly hugged him back. Jack glanced at Daniel, who still stood by the door.
He stared straight ahead, not looking at them.
Jack frowned. Did Daniel just stand there? Was that what servants did?
“Daniel, would you bring tea and those berry tarts that Cook baked?”
“Of course, sir.” Daniel bowed and left.
“Come, Jack. Sit.” Avery gestured to a chair. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Jack’s lungs constricted. He doubted he could ever feel comfortable in this house. Still, he sat, perched on the edge of his seat.
What if his clothes dirtied the pristine chair? He’d come straight from work. He should have changed. No doubt flour, sugar, other ingredients, and bits of ash from the oven clung to his clothes. If he damaged something here, Jack definitely couldn’t afford to repair or replace it.
