Chapter 592 - Day MMCXLI, Part IV

It took quite a while to pass through that long corridor with many rooms until we finally reached the right one, and she approached the entrance. Both metal wings slid open revealing something unexpected.

It was a big space. The light was coming from the ceiling, which by the way looked like the blue sky, but I couldn't really tell what was providing it. It was just there, and no, there was no fake sun up there.

The walls also were there, but it was like they weren't. It was like a middle of a beach with old columns showing in a couple of places, and what also needs to be mentioned, a sea. Blue, beautiful sea with crystal clear water.

You could even feel the light breeze touching your skin.

Except there was a bed. Extravagant, four-poster one with light brown linens. There were few couches, a table similar to a block of sandstone, with few chairs. Nice ones, made of wood and with cushions.

The very middle was occupied by a small pool with sun loungers around. Next to it was a beach bar which looked like just a counter with a few racks full of drinks.

Everything was so bizarre, but also kinda nice. Despite being right then and there I couldn't really tell how I felt about it, but for some reason, a smile crawled on my face, so maybe in the end I liked it.

- The food and drinks were brought from your planet, but we also have some delicacies from the whole empire if you are wishing to try different tastes - she informed me.

- Maybe later - I answered without thinking, as I was just too focused on looking around.

I spotted a freaking jukebox on the side, and couldn't help but go straight to it. It had a list of songs printed on a card put on top of the thing. I immediately grabbed it and looked through it. She followed me.

- If the music does not suit your taste it can be changed swiftly.

- No - I said, as I found some bangers from the '80s and '90s.

I pressed some buttons and it started playing. The sound could be heard in the whole room, but I couldn't tell exactly where it was coming from.

- So... You will be staying somewhere nearby I presume? - I asked her.

- I'll be staying here - she said.

This caused my eyebrows to rise in a silent question. She replied with a smile.

- I'm not just any slave - she informed me. - I've been selected to be as close in my physical form to you, humans, so I would be attractive to you. I'm here to make you as comfortable as it's possible.

With those words, she slowly pushed the shoulder strap of her robe to the side, and it slid off her arm revealing a pair of ripe breasts. The exotic skin color makes them even more attractive. Her nipples were much darker, and hard as rocks.

I stepped closer, and using just two fingers grabbed the shoulder strap to put it back on. Then patted her shoulder gently.

- Maybe later - I said with a slight smile.

To be frank I wasn't feeling it. The death of Boris was still on my mind, not to mention miss Patel. She was still close to me despite what happened. The wound was too fresh.

The expression on her face changed. She was quite eager before, but after what I said she became more reserved. That caused the interaction between us to become quite awkward, and not just for me.

- Soo... - I started in an attempt to change the mood a bit. - Did Ashal Kal Anur provide such luxuries for everybody, or am I somehow special?

- All warriors that sought his eyes were provided with better rooms and other special services - she answered my question.

I again looked around and started slowly walking to check the rest of the things in the space surrounding me. After all, I was gonna spend some time here. Nobody informed us how long it would take to reach the capital of the Ixan empire, but the fact that we got rooms indicated it won't be just a few hours.

- And how did I catch his eye? I didn't actually fight on Dispur. 

- Indeed - she agreed. - But Ashal Kal Anur saw the footage from your fight with another one of the humans whom he found of interest. An individual named Gavriil Semenov.

- And how did he manage to do that?

- I'm afraid I don't know, but I can ask.

- No. I think I'll ask him myself. There are a few other things I would like to talk with him about, so I might as well as this question.

- Should I arrange a meeting?

- No... Yes. Actually yes...

She caught me off guard by her question, and I ended up a bit confused which souced me to turn towards her. She touched the device covering one of her ears and started speaking in an alien language, which didn't get translated.

- I submitted your request - she informed a moment later while letting go of the machine on her ear. - I'll notify you about Ashal Kal Anur's answer.

- Thank you. By the way... Do you know much about him? To just recently I thought he is an imperial official, but as I learned, he is also some kind of royalty.

- Ashal Kal Anur is the fifth brother of the current Sabhetani ruler. Although his chances for the throne are slim, he still remains a very influential person not only in the Sabhetani kingdom but also in the Ixan empire because of his position as the 'Messenger of War' - she recited. - He is a powerful warrior and wise philosopher.

I smiled at her. Somehow it didn't feel right to ask her to tell me the truth hidden under the lines they made her speak whenever somebody asked her about her owner. Besides I had no idea how loyal she was, and if I don't get into trouble because of my curiosity.

And that, in my current situation, wasn't the smartest move.