* * * *
With help from the Governor’s staff, they settled into their extravagant quarters within the Governor’s mansion. Tyler believed it would be more accurate to call it a Palace. The Admiral’s memories confirmed Regional Governors lived posh lifestyles. Being an extension of the Imperial Palace, this made sense. However, it was in stark contrast with the functional, military style the Admiral was accustomed to.
The elegance and decadence took Tyler’s breath away. On Earth, he’d never known anyone who had lived so well. Even the posh estate at Tooland paled in comparison to the richly adorned walls and ceilings that surrounded them.
Toosia was not impressed by the extravagance, but then her life in Yooso was rubbing elbows with the rich and powerful. He supposed this was nothing more than she had seen elsewhere, either at the Palace or through Council functions. Her father regularly attended great balls, and Tyler was certain Toosia did too.
He watched her change out of her traveling clothes and slip on an elegant, but simple gown for the dinner. She was beautiful, and Tyler felt himself blush. At that moment, Toosia noticed his attention and also blushed.
“Nayllen, please, we must get ready for dinner.” She pleaded.
“I know, I know, it’s just seeing you looking so peaceful and beautiful … well, I don’t know, I guess it turns me on.”
She smiled but continued blushing.
“Sorry, Toosia, I guess the stress has affected me.”
She didn’t respond as she stood up and moved towards him. He felt excited by her closeness and watched as her skin reacted with a swirl of colors. He didn’t know why, but she looked even more radiant than usual. This made him even more excited.
“Toosia, I …” She stopped him with a finger to his mouth.
She stepped back and gently removed her gown, letting it fall to the floor around her ankles. She was radiant. Her naked body, filled with the colorful lights of their shared excitement, moved towards the bed, beckoning him to join her.
He was under a spell but quickly removed his clothing and slipped under the covers to join her. Between the heat of their bodies and the dance of colors on their skin, Tyler was certain the bedding would catch fire. It wouldn’t have mattered—he was swept away in the flames of their passion.