~GRETA~
Warm bread leaves the furnace. By my God's will, I grew four feet over night. It is a miraculous change. My new life must begin here, although I am unsure why he did not send me here himself. This kitchen is very warm. I am still getting used to walking around on my legs at this height.
My movements are clumsy, for I must rush this food up above ground at the waiting tables. It is much cooler above ground.
When I empty my clay tray, I hurry back down to meet Sandra, the keeper of this food establishment. It is only her and I.
Everything is much different here. The city dwellers are grumpy and unhappy, nothing like Adler made me believe. The slaves work on the streets right by our tables. Even in broad daylight, they are whipped mercilessly for young and old to see.
The guards are always watching. Not just them, but everyone. Their barbed whips make me nervous along with the super tall voltaks they ride. At least I am taller now, up to Sandra's elbows. I do not need to be afraid of getting trampled.
Working here, I earn my keep. My hands shake on my newly full platter of glassware steaming with tea. The giant goblets of ale may tip over if I make one wrong step.
Several guards hop down from their beasts. People mind their own business, avoiding their presence, as they come over as if to eat here.
I do not know if this is normal. I am too afraid to bother Sandra downstairs she is too busy making food.
Relief floods into me when my God trails behind the line of empirical soldiers. Everyone is so quiet now, I am unsure whether to approach. He seems to be in deep discussion with his guards.
"Excuse me, little woman, our table needs that," a man points out. What am I doing? I am still working. After apologizing, I get to work and set down their food.
I approach the table of empirical soldiers next.
"What may we make for you all today?"
"You have grown beautifully, little pearl. Come here, please."
A blush spreads across my face as I walk to his side of the table.
***
~ENOCH~
I suppose no one knew her true age. She isn't as young as we thought having grown several feet in just a few days. What a joy she has been found.
My father still treats her like a baby. He hand-fed her mushed vegetable by the spoonful at dinner.
It feels strange to be alone with her in the gardens of my father's courtyard. It is a large space sectioned off behind his temple. A girl like her could get lost back here.
We remain at the centerpoint, a grand fountain with my mother's statue in its center.
"Do you have a name? My father was too busy feeding you to introduce us," I laugh.
"Greta."
"I'm Enoch. One of Adler's sons."
Her eyes are very faded. Perhaps, they used to be a normal color but they are a silver-white now. Adler did tell us she is colorblind, but she can at least make out shapes.
I'm not sure why her hair is gray. Maybe all Krexbin have gray hair. Father's hair is gray. Her skin is a lighter shade of gray than his.
She likes to watch the ground when I try to make eye contact. She's probably nervous. Funny how she has no problem locking eyes with my father all day.
"He found you at a bakery. May I ask how you got there?"
Her smile is so cute. She shakes her head 'no' while turning her attention to the fish swimming in the fountain.
"You are pretty," she giggles while watching the water's surface. "How come your brother is so mean?"
"Brommy has a very serious job. Mine, not so much. I design buildings, he makes sure progress gets done. I'm sorry he's been chosen to watch over you. Unfortunately, I had no say in that. How old are you?"
"Twenty-three moons."
I gape at her innocent smile. That's only two years younger than me and she has been sleeping with my father. She is a woman!
"And you've been comfortable with Adler watching over you? Did you not sleep in his chamber for two nights?"
Her eyebrows draw in as if offended by the idea.
"My God loves me."
"Your God?"
My worries were not for nothing. I knew in my heart something was special about this girl. Better I found this out now than never.
She is still only half my height.
Amazing how her face lightens so quickly. I know it must be father. I turn, finding him emerging from beside a row of trimmed hedges.
"Adler!"
"My little pearl," he coos while lifting her up into his embrace. I have never seen him appear so happy. Ever. "What is Enoch doing all the way back here alone with you? I hope he is being proper."
My ears burn at his ridiculous statement.
"Emperor, it is evening. Do not forget to deliver her to the hospice. She may try running away again." My voice rises out of concern and frustration, "You did run away, didn't you, Greta?"
My father waits for her answer as well. She hides her head in his tunic. Adler pats her back, doing the uncalled for and kissing the, well, somewhat grown, woman's cheek.
"You have made my sweet uncomfortable with your prying thoughts. She will say what happened when she is ready. Because we know nothing yet, she will remain under close watch with me. I am requesting you station with your brother here tonight."
Her face is full of worry as she looks between my father and myself. I think she will make an exotic woman. That doesn't mean it's okay for my father to baby her. By our city's standards, she would be a far cry from beautiful.
It's not surprising he has taken an interest in something rare. He enjoys collecting strange things. It will be very problematic if she gets attached to him though. I'm sure she has little idea about how things work around here including my father.
It's amazing they found her unharmed in the city. Maybe it is because she is still child-like that no one questioned her peculiar physical differences. That won't last long though.