Chapter Twelve

Brodi took another sip of his water and tried to return Liv's tentative smile. He was going to have words with Asta and Kelda later. He cleared his throat. "Yes, apparently so." Smooth talker there Brodolf!

"Uh, please, have some food," he offered, pushing the large tray slightly closer to her for easier reach.

"Thanks," Liv said as she forked up some meat and cheese onto the plates that had been left on the table. "I really am hungry. I left the forest so early this morning, I didn't eat breakfast."

She glanced up at him as she filled her mouth with prosciutto wrapped around mozzarella cheese. He looked almost stricken. She frowned. "It's important you get enough to eat," he said. "What if you were out there alone and passed out from low blood sugar or something? Please promise me you'll eat regular meals while you are working in the forest."

"Ookaaay," Liv said, drawing out the word, unsure why this virtual stranger was suddenly so worried about her. Wasn't he the one that didn't w