A Background Character’s Path to Power

"Eh?"

Cassandra stared at the old dwarf blankly.

Eh?

I, myself, was confused for a moment too.

"Eh, why are you both stunned?" Borin furrowed his brows. "Wait, don’t tell me you’re still in that awkward phase where you haven’t talked about it yet? By my beard, young folks these days..." He shook his head with exaggerated disappointment. "And here I thought you were just being proper about separate rooms till getting married, but you two haven’t really figured it out, have you?"

I felt my face burning as I realized what he was implying. "Borin, we’re not-"

"Not what? Not obviously smitten with each other?" The dwarf laughed heartily.

He was thoroughly enjoying himself. And why the heck can’t I respond properly?

"Lad, I’ve got eyes, you know," he continued, gesturing to his almond eyes. "The way you look at her, the way she looks at you when she thinks you are not watching... Trust me, I have seen enough couples pass through here to know the signs."

I didn’t have to look, but still took a peek, to know Cassandra was blushing pink, all the while studying the floor with intense concentration.

I only hope she’s not laughing at me.

"We are... just traveling companions." I managed to force out an answer.