I wondered if Ethan indulged in such luxuries when no one was watching. My imagination ran wild, as it often did, and I found myself lost in thought.

"Come sit here," Alfred suddenly beckoned.

I walked over and sat down as the young attendants who had been tending to Alfred now turned their attention to me. They gracefully poured me tea, their movements precise and delicate. While I wasn’t used to this kind of treatment, I couldn’t bring myself to dismiss the help. It felt ...