Chapter Four

     Pyotr opens the door for me and I step into the dining room. Looking around the room I see a large oak table covered in lavish food. My mouth begins to water at the sight of the meal.

     Pyotr closes the door behind us. Once again grabbing my hand he guides me over to the table. He releases my hand so he can pull my chair out. I take a seat placing my hands in my lap.

"T-Thank you, m'lord," I say.

I watch as Pyotr takes his seat and he stares at me for a moment.

"Do I make you uncomfortable miss Clara?" He suddenly asks.

"N-No absolutely n...n-not," I reply in panic.

     He is a lord and I'm merely a humble peasant I'm not at all sure how to speak with him.

The expression on Pyotr's face is unreadable but he seems to relax a little.

"I see, that is good to hear. You must be quite hungry just a bit longer and they will serve us our plates," he tells me.

I nod in response while staring at the golden tablecloth in front of me. My eyes shift across the room and I take in the room. The room is lit up by a large crystal chandelier. The chandelier hangs above the center of the table candles adorning it. On the table underneath is a bright gold tablecloth. Food of the likes I've never seen sits on the table teasing my nose. My mouth waters in anticipation.

The dining room doors open suddenly causing me to jump. My body jolts and my heart pounds at the unexpected noise. Pyotr looks over at me curiously.

"Apologies m'lord I wasn't expecting the doors open so suddenly," I tell him.

"No need to apologize," is all he says.

Coming in through the doors is more of the same creatures from yesterday. Their stark white eyes and charcoal skin causes me a fright. The creatures remain silent as they begin to set the table with utensils.

     One of the creatures, the female whom I remember from yesterday walks to stand behind Pyotr. She is dressed in a white shirt and trousers, with a black corset over the shirt.

     "Alina, have you done everything I asked?" Pyotr questions her.

     "Yes my lord all the humans have been treated. I am waiting to hear word from our contact outside. Though news should arrive shortly, they will all be returning home soon," she informs him.

     "That is good news," Pyotr shakes his head.

     "Now I will over today's schedule as you eat," Alina says.

     Pyotr holds up a hand stopping her.

     "I have a guest with me for breakfast today. Meet me in my office after our meal to discuss the schedule," he says.

     "Yes my lord," Alina responds with a bow.

     I watch as she and the other creatures leave the room. While I wasn't looking Pyotr began to pile food on my plate. My plate is filled with honeyed ham, fluffy pancakes, and eggs.

     "Please do not be shy and eat," he tells me.

     I nod and begin to eat my meal. The food that touches my lips is unlike anything I've ever eaten. The sweet and salty ham leaves me craving more and the pancakes practically melt in my mouth. After swallowing down my food I look over at Pyotr and notice him watching me.

     I become conscious of him and advert my gaze. Surely if I talk it'll make things less awkward.

     "M'lord if you don't mind me asking. What are those strange creatures you have serving you?" I ask.

     Pyotr makes a strange face at my question.

     "Do you perhaps mean my shades?" He asks.

     "Is that what you call them? They are the tall ones with bat-like ears yes?"

     "Aw, so you are asking about my shades. They are nothing you should worry about. Those shades have been with me many years and would never betray my trust," he explains.

"Oh, i-it wasn't that I d-didn't trust them that are just k-kinda scary is all." I brush my hair behind my ear nervously.

     "Their appearance is quite startling to those who have never seen them. But I assure you they are nothing like they look," he smiles.

     We go back to eating however I can't help but wonder where the others who were rescued with me are. I peer at Pyotr the question biting at the tip of my tongue. I glance at my plate and then back at Pyotr. He peeks over at me while taking another bite of the hot food. Swallowing his food he sets his fork down turning towards me.

     "Do you have something you would like to ask me miss Clara?" His burning ember eyes ensnare mine. I study his pale face my eyes traveling from his down to his nose and then lips. My gaze reaches his exposed chest and I advert my eyes biting my lip.

     How should I ask him without sounding rude? But maybe he really has done something with the others.

     I twist one of my curls around my finger before looking back up at Pyotr.

     "I-I was just wondering where t-the others who came with me are?"

     "Most of them are still resting and those who are sick and injured are being tended to by my doctor. If you are worried about them I can take you to their rooms after our meal?" He offers.

     I shake my head in relief a smile grazing my lips.

     "No i-it's ok I just wanted to make sure they were safe. I'm sure you must be very busy I'd hate to take up too much of your time," I say.

     "Miss Clara you need not worry about being a bother. If I found it bothersome I simply would not offer to do it."

     "I suppose you're right. Thank you for being so understanding."

     I return my attention to the food in front of me and we continue our meal in silence. It wasn't the kind of silence that was heavy or hard to breathe in. No, it was comfortable, the air around us was light and I can finally feel the bonds of trust beginning to sprout. Though I may never be able to completely trust Pyotr because of what he is I think we can work together toward the same goal.

     Pyotr clears his plate and then turns to look at me.

     "I have to know what drives you to want to help me. I am of the same kind as your captor, not to mention we barely know each other. So why do you follow me?"