Chapter 7 Servant

"It's break time." I heard that same familiar voice say.

I paused in my work and raised my face to his, using my hand to shield the sun from disrupting my view. He was holding something this time, and it was water, that I was sure of.

"They do break times here?" I asked him. I was still new to this farm work so I had no idea how it usually went.

"Of course, why not? We need to fuel our system too." He chuckled softly.

My gaze flickered on his face, I was feeling a bit abashed. I spread my lips in a small, coy smile. I lowered my head, directing my eyes back to the berries I was picking. The farm was quite expansive, one could not see the end but the beginning. And I was given a large portion to focus on alone, courtesy of the Luna.

"I still have work to do." I told him. I knew he had said it was break time but I was scared. What if the Luna saw me seating without working? The others, as workers, were allowed to have breaks, but it was a form of punishment for me. I was definitely not allowed any breaks at all, unfortunately.

"Come on, don't exert yourself too much. Let's go have some food, I know you're certainly hungry." He said, still waiting patiently with the container I suspected was holding the food he was willing to share with me.

I didn't know if he was referring to the embarrassing rumble he'd heard my stomach make minutes ago. That was very embarrassing and I was suddenly self aware of it. I said nothing and kept mute. I continued to pick red fruits, hoping he'd get the gist and leave.

I was not trying to be rude. I was just trying to avoid any issue any with the Luna, and knowing how cruel she could be, she might punish this kind fellow for even attempting to help me. I didn't want anyone to be dragged into this life of strife with me.

I felt his presence beside me, I turned to see he had sat on the ground, looking at me. There was this air of patience around him as though he was willing to wait till I was ready to make up my mind.

I searched around us, other workers were finding their own comfortable spots to seat and eat. I was the only female in the midst of hundreds of workers. I returned my gaze to him, a quiet sigh escaped my lips. "What are you doing? Go for your break."

"Not without you, we're going to share my food." He uttered casually. His gaze swept the area before he took two berries out of my basket. "I hope you don't mind?"

I shook my head. "No."

He threw them into his mouth, and chewed. I also surveyed the area to know if anyone had seen him. No product from the farm should be eaten by any worker, it was against the rule and If one was caught, he would be punished. If anyone had seen him taking berries out of my basket and reported to either the Alpha or his mother, the Luna, there was going to be trouble, both of us would be punished. I, for allowing him take it from my basket. Him, for disobeying the rule.

I realized this fellow was not going to give up waiting, I released a sigh of surrender. "Let's go."

He smiled and together, we went to a tree whose leaves provided enough shade for two of us. We sat, he placed the food between us, and he dug in.

I watched him eat, still skeptical about joining him. Not like I harbored thoughts of him being a bad person with evil intents, but I wasn't sure I was supposed to be doing this.

"You're not eating." He raised an inquisitive brow.

"Sorry." I dug in too, and soon I was enjoying every bit of the meal. It was quite delicious. "The meal is nice."

"I made it." He informed, pride in his voice.

"You're quite the cook, aren't you?" I complimented.

He beamed and we went on eating in silence. I wondered how long this break took, but I did not want to ask because I was enjoying it. After this meal, a god nap was required. But a good nap was a luxury I would not dare afford if I wanted my head to remain on my shoulders. When would I ever have the freedom to do what I wanted and when I wanted? To not be scared of getting yelled at or hit or punished. That might probably be never. This pack was the only home I knew and even though I was not happy with it, I had to remain here, I could not go rogue. Being a rogue was a lot worse.

"My mom taught me." He told me.

I felt a pang in my heart, my smile wavered. "you're lucky."

His smile vanished. "I was lucky."

I frowned. "Is everything all right with you?"

"She's dead." His face grew sad, and there was this yearning beneath that sad mask.

Sympathy gripped tight. "I'm so sorry, uhmm..."

"Fagel." He provided, a wan smile on his face.

"I'm sorry Fagel"

He took another portion of food, and chewed. But I was not sure he was tasting, more like he was stuffing his face as a form of act to make him forget what he'd just remembered - his dead mother.

I felt like it was all my fault, I felt guilty. "I'm truly sorry. I feel so bad really."

"It's not your fault, Tasyra."

Another curious frown deepened my forehead. "How do you know my name?"

"Who would not know the name of the servant girl most hated by the Luna and Alpha?"

"Ah, so that's what I'm known for now." Well, that was some news. To know I was known to be who the Luna hated the most. That she and her son who used to be my friend and mate wanted nothing good for me.

He shrugged. "But I just think it's not nice, except you have done something to offend her." He searched my face as though he expecting to see the confirmation on my face.

"No, I haven't. She has always been this way with me for like forever." I said, taking a drink of the refreshing spring water. Maybe I was thirsty or maybe I wanted to drown the tears and pain that arose from talking about it. Or maybe it was both.