Nyxara
"Before we really get started with this lesson, you should understand my teaching style and what I will be teaching you. I teach by example. You will learn by going through the motions. Everything you learn with the others, you will review with me. We will choose together at the beginning of each lesson what you will work on during our lessons." Azrail shed his chaotic persona, showing me the unrelenting, focused man he was underneath.
He is so multifaceted. My thoughts then turned to Shrek's analogy about being like an onion with layers, and I could barely stifle the laughter that tried to bubble up. His eyebrow raised in question, then he full-stopped halfway to the table when I didn't give him an answer. Feeling pressured under his stare, I relented. "Does a movie called Shrek exist? I had a dream about the movie, but I'm unsure if it's something I imagined or if it is a real movie."
Both eyebrows were raised now. "Yes, Shrek does exist in this world. It came out a few decades ago, and I think you watched it once or twice when you were younger. That is a random memory to dream about. Maybe more memories will return to you in your dreams as you continue to heal."
He guided me to the table that was set up in the living room for our dining etiquette lesson. Once we were both seated, Lima appeared with two shallow glass bowls of salad. She set each bowl down in front of us before stepping back two steps and clasping her hands at her back.
I did a double take when I realized Lima had traded her usual maid uniform for a sharply tailored butler's suit, her hair slicked back with precision. She looked effortlessly dashing—clearly making a statement. I was starting to suspect my maid-assistant had a secret flair for the dramatics. Strangely, I found it comforting. Her efforts grounded me, like familiar background music that kept my mind from spinning too fast.
To show my appreciation, I offered her a bright smile. Both Lima and Azrail froze, visibly startled, as if I'd just performed magic. I waved a hand, amused, and they seemed to remember how to move again—smiling in return. The tension in the air melted, replaced by something soft. Something warm.
"Crown Consort and First Lady, tonight I present to you for your appetizer course of five courses, Essence-infused Pear and Star Root Salad. Please enjoy. I shall return with your soup course when you are ready." She bowed, then backed away to stand against the wall.
Looking down at the appetizing salad of thinly sliced pear glazed in honey, drizzled with citrus oil, topped with toasted seed shards that faintly hummed with what I think is essence, I found myself excited to try it.
Feeling his gaze, I looked up to see Azrail waiting for my attention. Once he has it, he picks up his glass, raising it towards me. "I toast my beautiful daughter, my little queen, this evening. May she shatter all expectations, hers and others alike."
I pick up my glass and raise it towards him. "I return your toast, Azrail; the father I am getting to know. May your chaotic light be a guide I can follow and trust in the days and years to come." We clicked glasses, then took a sip of the sparkling mineral water. Azrail looked away for a moment, wiping his eyes before he turned back to the table with a soft smile I hadn't seen before. "Aye, I promise to guide you well."
Azrail picked up a slim silver fork and dessert knife to cut the pear. I follow his lead, doing the same. We eat quietly but companionably at first. He kept his movements easy to follow. I already had good table manners, but comparing them with Azrail's manners is enlightening.
His method of silently correcting me is to stare at the area I need to improve until I figure it out, then he will move on to the next area. His method was both annoying and amusing because he never stopped eating correctly while he stared. Not once did he miss his mouth or get anything on his vest and shirt.
At one point when we were nearly done with the course, he even leaned sideways to stare at my leg and foot positions. Who the hell is going to be looking under a table at my feet? When we were both finished, Azrail looked and nodded at Lima. She came forward, swiping her hand over our bowls and glasses, making them disappear.
From behind her back, she placed before us each a small porcelain soup bowl on a saucer with a silver rim. Beside the saucer, she placed long-handled silver spoons. Last, she set narrow-stemmed glasses of what smelled like white wine in front of him and a light herbal tonic in front of me.
She stepped back with a smile once everything was set. "I hope you enjoyed your first course, Crown Consort and First Lady. This second course of moonbroth consommé with floating bloom dumplings was especially chosen by Mrs. June to add a comforting touch to your lesson. I'm available nearby if needed." Back she went to the wall and back to this very unique lesson I turned.
Examining the clear, silver-tinged broth that smelled of herbs and essence, with small flower-shaped dumplings that were slowly opening before my eyes added a hint of wonder to this course. Picking up his spoon he quietly sipped the soup. I followed suit and found the soup to be truly delicious and comforting.
"During the second course at official dinners, light discussion can occur. People will start conversations to probe you. Keep answers simple and engaging if possible. If giving such answers becomes impossible, change the conversation. I'm sure your Korran went over various scenarios with you earlier, so I will not rehash that unless you want to." He paused to check if this was the case. When I gave the negative, he continued talking.
"Since we will not be rehashing scenarios, we will have our own light discussion. So, my little queen, what about Shrek earlier was making you stifle your laughter?"