Chapter 10: My Gem
Elin was confused. When she'd put her hand on Kim's belly to check for any harm that might have happened from the kobold's attack, she could tell that Kim's breathing quickened, but couldn't think of why. The hadn't been any damage and her belly felt just like it had the first time she'd touched it. So, she wasn't sure what the cause had been. Part of her wondered if she should put her hand on Kim's belly again just to make sure she hadn't missed anything.
Elmo seemed to be lost in his thoughts and Jonas had moved on ahead to continue scouting for them. Looking back at Elmo for a moment, she wondered if he was in his own world right then.
Shaking her head, she turned back to Kim. She might not be able to read what motives Kim had, but she was at least confident that Kim wasn't a threat to her. So, maybe she could trust what the woman had to say.
"Um, Kim?" Elin asked.
"Yes, princess?" Kim replied.
Elin gasped in outrage. "I told you before, I'm not a princess! I'm the second daughter of the Marquis of-"
"Yeah, yeah, I got that princess," Kim replied. "You don't need to remind me."
"Then why are you still calling me that?!" Elin demanded. "I will not accept a title above my station!"
"Relax, princess," Kim said. "Where I come from, it's kind of a nickname to give to a girl. Think of it as a term of endearment from me."