Shady

(Ahaha all good! I do the same thing >.> recently got called that most of my names in my novel have a “rec” sound haha Jerica, Rekard, Derik, Aerik, etc ...

(You and your -ara names xD Sara Sera Mara) “Have you worked here long?” Aleth asked casually, leaning lightly on the table in front of him.

“You as well.” Aleth buried his hands in his pockets, trying not to look as awkward as he felt. “And your name is…?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Aleth answered, offering a hand. “The name’s Al.”

“Yes, please,” Aleth answered with a smile. “If you don’t mind, ma’am.”

Aleth sent a quick glance around the kitchen. He hadn’t been down here, yet, but it didn’t seem particularly interesting. Just a standard kitchen. Although the chef seemed friendlier than ...

Aleth eyed the soldier. He was running straight to Ash, no doubt. Aleth contemplated parting ways with Adrian — to ensure whoever returned to them wouldn’t find his interactions with ...

“Oh?” Aleth asked, walking the way Adrian had indicated.

“Age does make for remarkable differences in temperament,” Aleth agreed. “At least, hopefully will change the propensity for anger. Is Matthias in line to become the next Lord Ash?”

Aleth bit back his gut suggestion for Adrian to use force. That was not a helpful suggestion. It also wouldn’t end well for him, for Adrian to beat up his ...

Aleth nodded slowly. He supposed he could see that. He always felt like he was being interrogated when he was interacting with Ash, but he supposed it would be different ...

“Good deal,” Aleth said. “Do you find your uncle generally receptive to your requests and ideas?”

“I bet he will,” Aleth said encouragingly. “How old do you need to be for that?”

“I’m sorry,” Aleth murmured. “I do hope you’ll be able to stay with your uncle for quite some time, then. Parents can do irreparable damage to us when we’re young.”

“Aye.” Aleth inclined his head. “How does your mother feel about it all?”