"You look good captain." Kora chirped. Her eyes locked on me like a puppy.
"You do look amazing captain. You look appetizing." Mira licked her lips. Her predatory eyes undressed me.
I felt my spine tingle. I stepped back out of instinct. She didn't seem like she was joking.
"Uhmm..yh thanks." I said uncomfortably.
I glanced at the hourglass.
"Do you guys have any idea where Sylvi is?" I asked, looking around. "We are going to be late."
Suddenly I heard hurried footsteps echoing above us. They rushed out into the hallway and down the stairs. I turned, my gaze falling on an out of breath Sylvi. Her chest rose and fell softly but my eyes drifted beyond that.
"Oh my Sylvi!" Mira exclaimed.
"You look amazing." Kora chimed in.
I stared, jaw wide.
I had never seen her like this before. A long black dress hugged her body, revealing the curves she usually hid underneath her normal clothes. Her hair was combed and arranged and her eyes beautifully lined with a dark substance.
She stood up, catching her breath.
"Thanks guys." She muttered nervously.
Just then, she caught my gaze. Her pale face suddenly turned red. Her eyes fluttered softly as she tried to avoid my stare.
"Stop staring please." Her words were soft.
At that moment, I felt my stomach leap. My heart beat faster.
My lips parted but no words came.
Just then, I felt a smack at my back, causing me to stumble forward. I tripped on my own feet, falling face first into Sylvi's breast. Her scent was sweet like morning dew and honey. I quickly jumped up, my face turning red. I turned, glaring at who I now knew was Lina behind me.
She let off a smile.
"You two look good together." She said softly.
"Not fair though." Kora pouted. "I wanted to be the one all dressed up with Captain."
I couldn't help but smile as I glanced at her.
"Next time Kora."
I patted her head softly.
"Anyway, we have to hurry."
I turned to Sylvi. Once more, I ran my eyes down her body, unable to resist.
"Uhm..we should be going." I said nervously.
She nodded shyly. Stepped forward and wrapped her arms around my left arm. Her breast pressed against my elbow and she lowered her head. Before I could say anything, she walked forward, yanking me along.
"Bye guys. Have a nice night." Lina yelled out as we walked past the door.
I glanced back, seeing Kora and Mira waving with wide grins on their face. It almost felt like I was being setup here.
I turned my attention back to Sylvi who had now raised her head up slightly. I was lost for words, staring as the moonlight bounced off her skin. She was beautiful.
We walked to the gates where a Royal Carriage awaited us. As we approached, the driver glanced over. His eyes widened and he let go of the reins. He jumped down and in one swift motion knelt.
"Your.."
Sylvi cut him off.
"Let's go."
He raised his head up swiftly, rushed to the door and opened it. He held it as we both entered.
That was weird. I thought to myself.
Then he dashed back to his seat, grabbing the reins.
"Hiyah!"
The carriage slowly began moving. Its wheels rattled down the pathway.
I sat, quietly observing the road. The trees casted soft shadows as moonlight poured down. Fruit bats zoomed across the sky heading from one branch to another. I glanced over to Sylvi who stared out too. I immediately was captivated. Her eyes glowed faintly in the moonlight. Her hair slowly swayed as the wind hit her face. She rested her cheek under her palm and had a soft smile on her face.
"Stop staring at me."
Her words caught me off guard. I shifted my gaze.
"I'm sorry. You just look really different."
She glanced at me. Let out a sigh and leaned into her seat.
"Thanks."
She paused, staring at me. Then her lips parted.
"Why'd you choose me?"
Her eyes were sharp.
"Why'd not Kora or Lina? Hell even Mira?"
I paused at her question. Do I tell her that I chose her because Lina asked me to? Or do I lie. At this point, a lie was the smart option.
"I chose you because we haven't really talked." I replied calmly. "This is a good time for me to know you better."
This wasn't a complete lie. I guess that's why she didn't ask any further questions.
"You have three questions for today." She said. "After that I'll avoid you for the rest of the night."
She turned her gaze from me.
Three questions? Seems like I'll save them for later. I thought to myself. I needed to keep her next to me as much as possible.
The rest of the ride was in silence.
After a while, we reached the palace gates. The horses came to a stop.
"Halt!" A guard boomed.
"Name and reason for being here."
I peeked out the window, watching as our driver handed a piece of envelope to the guard. He opened the seal, read it and nodded before giving the driver back.
"Open the gates!" He ordered.
Gears creaked. Metal groaned. For a second, the ground rumbled. Then, the large metal gate before us lifted up slowly, revealing a long pathway riddled with guards.
"Enjoy the conference." The guard said as we passed by.
I sat back, glancing over at Sylvi who now folded her arms softly. Her gaze dropped to the floor and her breathing became harder.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes." She nodded. "That's your first question."
She gave a soft smile. But I could tell she wasn't feeling good.