Sandwiched between the cold, wet wall and a rapidly cooling corpse was not the expected place my path to glory was supposed to lead. I really just need a moment to think. For now this bloated flesh bag is keeping me hidden, or trapped- I guess that it’s all a matter of perspective.
When I woke this morning I had an off feeling about this. The cast of the bones confirmed it was so, but it had to be done. I’d given my word. My mission was simple, grab the coin and the map and get out without being seen.
At least she made it sound that way. Simple.
Salix Nigra. The way her name slithered past ruby slicked lips. I’m pretty sure if she had told me to kill the Emperor I would. Her heat entered my meagre room before she strutted in. Not even a knock. The door blew open, and there she was. Cream skin, green eyes not of this world and hair so dark it seemed to disappear in the shadows behind her. In the hollow of her neck hung a sapphire so blue it would put the oceans to shame. Draped in soft folds of fabric, her pleasing shape defined by the soft cotton. I have no doubt there were many gifts and dangers hidden in amongst the folds of her dress. The black leather lacings of her stilettos lost underneath the short hem of her garment. I could not move.
“Are you Regia Juglans?”
“Just Reg.” Trying for my most roguish smile. She seemed completely unaffected.
Are you available for hire?” Her velvet voice sending shivers and heat at the same time down my spine, reaching the deepest of places.
My mouth had gone dry, I managed a single nod.
She moved silently like a cat- leaning in I could feel her breath in my ear, the rich smell of amber burning deep into my soul. “You come highly recommended, for jobs of a delicate nature”
Oh to taste wine off of those lips…..”Y..y..erm…Yes.”
“Oh Reg, I need your help, I am in danger” at this, she steps back from me and teasingly pulls a handkerchief from her pale cleavage. I immediately feel a rise of anger at the thought of anyone harming this ethereal creature.
Dabbing at her eyes, long lashes glistening impossibly with dew. “all I have in this world my Father left for me. A rare gold coin and a map. There were these men…” a sob escapes her soft mouth.
What followed was a heartbreaking tale of a young woman taken advantage of, and these brutes making off with her property. Her eyes stayed steady on mine, even through the tears, so easy to get lost in. It was hard to resist the urge to bury my face in her hair, just to inhale the sweet amber smell of her. Have it surround me. But no time for that now.
Standing Still at the Speed of Light 