Leah was strolling around the most breathtaking and unusual gardens she had ever experienced. Trees seemed to glow with the brightest greens and golds, bathing in the mid morning sunlight, swaying to a light breeze. The green grass had that delightful fresh cut smell that made her think of her childhood Sunday mornings when everyone ritually cut their lawns. It was bouncy and soft, and seemed to entice one to curl up and fall asleep on it. It was like walking on cushions of air. Leah’s favorite Earth blooms–gerberas and sunflowers were abundant wherever she went. She was accepting the unexpected almost literally in her stride.
During her two-hour exploration, she came across a sparkling, beckoning river that led to a magnificent waterfall that dropped to a deep water hole, surrounded by tropical palm trees. Leah made a mental note to return for a swim. Included in her discoveries were a variety of unusual plants and exotic vivid flowers, peaceful ponds, and acres of grassy bushy hills. She even spied a forest that warranted exploring later, a little further away she gaped–a maze, made from trimmed and shaped hedges. That was definitely on her exploration list. A variety of weird looking birds and insects flew around her and she thought she recognized honeybees sucking the delectable nectar from some alien looking daisy like flower.
Her host had made this giant garden a meticulous, perfect paradise for her. And indeed, the walk and nature appreciation would have been perfect, if it were not for her two perpetual companions, she had cheekily named her roving bloodhounds.
Unfortunately, they were not Montava and Chotar, instead they were Kalvich’s own personal guards, tall and muscular as any Trimadian and disciplined to the max–no chitchat, though not through lack of her trying. When Leah had enquired where her two Sotoid guards had gone, she was politely informed they had been called back to their designated ship. She sensed from that point on she would be wasting her time on these guys. They were not tour guides, and she sensed no emotions whatsoever; almost bordering on indifference.
No matter who or what you are your Highness–you are still a mere female.
She wondered if they had been forewarned about her abilities as she could not read them. She decided for now to behave. She may not get off so easily compared with the un-queen like stuff she pulled on Montava and Chotar. They were even ordered to shoot her if necessary.
Shit, now she was here, she had not even met their number one boss yet!
She clearly remembered Talokta’s run down on Kalvich’s Verone Elite. And of course, when Talokta was present, he was their leader, the Verone Supreme. The pride of his status was obvious. How he juggled the many hats was beyond her, and now he was away on a secret mission. Boy he must be on good pay. A shiver went through her as she acknowledged that these Verone Elite guys were the best. Make our toughest military boys back home look like circus clowns.
Leah did wonder why Kalvich needed bodyguards, if he was immortal and all. Though why do stuff yourself when others would do it for you without question? Leah smiled at that thought.
Well, so far, this so called great fearful, devious, black hearted warlord was showing a real soft side of him that maybe was not the most popular image his men expected of him, but he thought a great deal of her. Sini did tell her, everything was designed to make her feel more at home, and the garden was no exception. Leah, being stuck in a spacecraft for several days naturally decided to check out these gardens first and foremost. She did not quite expect miles and miles of beautiful countryside. All for her!
Was Kalvich simply obsessed, or did he genuinely love her? Well he certainly loved the Queen Leah of yesterday. Or did he have more devious reasons in mind? Geez girl, it may be polite and prudent to meet the man first before you cast judgment.
Though, she had enjoyed the time out, as the fresh air and exercise made her feel good. She knew she would need several days, perhaps weeks to explore this expansive land further. She was hoping she might have some real company next time. No luxuries, glamorous gowns, or beautiful landscapes could fill the painful gap of loneliness that she was experiencing. She was feeling more and more like a castaway. At least at home, she could turn on the brain drain damn television. What she would do for some warm blooded heart to heart company.
As she made her way back to the fortress, it was interesting that wherever she was she could turn and see the top of Kalvich’s great fortress, so she knew she was traveling in a huge circle, outlined by the only thing that could spoil this beautiful scenery, though it was invisible—the force field.
A thought was niggling in the back of Leah’s mind, if the force field was designed to keep anything unwanted outside the domain, how do you account for the weather and breezes entering the area? Not to mention the animals and insects. What happened if they hit the force field? Well, if Kalvich possessed incredible powers, creating and tweaking a few of natures little gifts would be a walk in the park for him.
Arriving back at the Fortress, she questioned Sini about this. Her reply was simple and Leah sensed she was not lying. More than likely, it was what this servant had been brought up to believe.
“Our Supreme Ruler, as I said, looks after us. The Great Fortress and surrounding grounds are for him and anyone he chooses to allow to enjoy it. He has created what you see.”
Yep, as I thought.
Before Leah opened her mouth for the inevitable “How does he create?” Sini had looked at her warily. “One should not question He who gives us such joy.” Then, with a broad smile, “Simply enjoy what gifts he provides.”
That was the end of that subject.
“Sini, I don’t mean to be rude but I am getting a little impatient, not to mention a little lonely walking in the gardens, and it did not help having two moody, silent bodyguards.”
Sini’s smile did not waver, “You will meet the Supreme Ruler very soon; I can assure you he is just as anxious to meet you, my lady.”
That cheered Leah up momentarily.
But she still disliked having watchdogs around her.
“Honestly, I’m in a fortress surrounded by a force field. Why do I need two walking monoliths to watch over me? I mean what the hell could happen to me here?”
Sini continued smiling warmly. Leah was beginning to wonder if the smile was forced. “Your highness, please, for your own good, listen to me. Having guards is protocol, especially for you, and they are there for your personal safety. You will never get in trouble or lost in the fortress grounds, as the guards have devices that sense the force field and any life forms.” Leah suspected they had the devices more like to keep a track of her! Perhaps one day she may put that to the test.
Right now, she might as well give up on arguing.
“Sini, I know this is going to sound strange, but would it be possible if I could have some gymnasium equipment, just to keep myself, you know—fit.”
Sini frowned.
“Weight lifting devices, hand weights, stair climber, punching bag, stationary cycle, that sort of thing. Surely, the Trimadian warriors have some fitness equipment to work out on. You know, keep those muscles bulging.”
“Ah, oh yes, but my lady, that is not for women! Not for your royal highness, for Trimadian warriors only. You cannot use their equipment.”
Leah’s silent look of frustration made Sini change her mind. She added quietly, “I will check to see what can be done.”
Leah, once more alone, flopped on a sofa in her huge living room. The walk had taken a lot out of her, and now she was simply glad to put her feet up. Thoughts of that strange but exciting dream she experienced earlier were playing through her mind. This time she lightly dozed and had a pleasant, uneventful nap.
There was a tapping on her door. Leah was about to get up and open it when she remembered Sini’s lessons in Trimadian etiquette that was pertaining to being a queen. One rule was you never rise to answer a door.
She cleared her throat, “Enter.”
The guard outside opened the door.
Sini walked in and curtsied.
Wh
at now!
“My lady, I wish to announce that our Supreme Ruler has requested your company for dinner this evening. There are important matters that need to be discussed with you before the planned events of your Celebration.
No shit!
“I shall return later to assist you.”
So at last, I’m meeting Mr. Mysterious in the flesh!
Sini curtsied and was about to leave and stopped. She walked up close to Leah and said almost conspiratorially, “He has waited a very long time for you. He would be good for you, my lady.” She looked into Leah’s eyes as if searching for something. “I know you will be good for him.”
That was unexpected and nice. She wondered if that was her personal feeling, or if Kalvich had told her to say that. God, girl, you are a cynic! Of course, she was being sincere.
I’ll treat this like a blind date, she thought. Instantly she felt nervous. Why the hell did she have to torture herself with that thought?
I’d given up dating ages ago, back on Earth.
But that was living someone else’s life, wasn’t it?
She still felt nervous, but excited like a young, silly schoolgirl. It was not a bad feeling. Would it be that man in the dream? Then, that vital, all important question that most women face when meeting auspicious company hit her.
Oh my God, what am I going to wear?
“Oh, and regarding your request for this exercise equipment. I’m sorry, my lady, but you will have to have your own private gymnasium. That will be arranged for you in your quarters later.”
“Thank you for that, Sini.”
Sini curtsied and gracefully departed.
Wow, that is cool. Leah smirked. Kalvich did not want her present amongst his warriors to do a workout, which was for sure not the done thing.
Leah found herself pleasantly surprised to find she was starting to warm to Sini’s company, especially having a female companion to talk to, to a degree. But could she really trust her, as a confidant? Surely she could not confess much to her as it would all go back to her boss.
Of course, the initial meeting of the two had annoyed Leah to no end, and Sini was very careful around her. But now that she had gotten to know her a little more, Leah found she was a nice lady, kind and truly loyal to her master, which Leah found refreshing. Though Leah did not know what Sini would be like if someone defied her beloved master?
An hour later, Sini returned and was showing off a huge selection of outfits Leah could choose from for that all important ‘first meeting’ as Sini formally termed it.
They were inside Leah’s dressing room. She had already explored the vast wardrobes to see what clothes were there. Sini had brought over a dozen more gowns with her. Both women definitely agreed a dress, or gown was to be worn. Leah, deep down, was a sucker for femininity and romance, in the right situation of course. But she could not make up her mind, and she did not want to wear anything over the top. “Something reasonably formal, but comfortable.”
Sini picked one out for her and inspected it for any unwanted creases or imperfections.
“You care for your master,” Leah commented, studying the servant.
Sini smiled, in her faltering enunciation she stated. “He has been my master for a long time and very good he has been to me.” She paused and looked Leah in the eye. “I would lay my life down for him.”
“Well, wouldn’t that be a waste of time as I hear he is immortal and don’t tell me it’s the fiber in his cereal,” Leah joked, waving her finger.
“That’s not my point. My master appreciates loyalty. He demands it from all his subjects, whom are equally well rewarded. You will understand in time.”
Sini, satisfied with her inspection smiled.
“Yes, this dress would be perfect.”
Leah lifted it up, stared at it, and slipped behind a vertical divider to change. Every outfit she had tried on fitted her perfectly. This one Sini had brought with her felt sexy and cool on her skin. It was in a rich sapphire blue and gold, with delicate spaghetti shoulder straps. When she moved it shimmered. The bodice was cleverly designed to uplift her breasts and expose quite a bit of flesh, similar to her beautiful cream gown. From the midriff the gorgeous material tapered down to her slender waist where a gold band accentuated her hourglass figure. A single split along one side went right up to her upper thigh, almost to her hip. Sure enough, the matching accessories: a gold crystal choker, long matching gloves, and golden high heels finished the effect. Yeah, throw on a dash of makeup and the catwalk is mine! She remembered in her dress drawers there were some stockings and even suspenders, but that would be going too far, especially with that split.
She stepped out and turned around slowly for Sini to inspect. Sini was speechless; she knew that was the one. The dress was exquisite and suited Leah as if she were born to it. Sini gestured for her to look in a full length dress mirror. Leah took a deep breath as she studied herself.
“It is a stunning dress, but don’t you think it is a wee bit too, you know, suggestive for a first meeting? It is elegant, but bordering on a nightclub or party dress and the split is, er, a bit revealing. Can’t have too much ventilation you know!”
But Sini was adamant. “I know my master well. I know he will like it and will enjoy seeing you in such a work of art. You suit it and look beautiful.”
Leah blushed at her words and knew she was not getting out of this one, literally. “What is the material made out of, it seems to glow?”
“It is a mix of Lyjerian silk from the wild Lyjerian calves of Zhesta, and Zymergy crystals that provide the shimmer and gives the material strength. You could never rip this dress. In fact, all your clothes are handmade by the Supreme Ruler’s appointed tailors, and no one in this galaxy will have anything close to them.”
“Fit for a queen,” Leah breathed, staring at the reflection in the mirror. Though, with her breasts almost completely revealed, she felt a little uncomfortable. But she grinned happily, when was the last time she looked this good?
Sini smiled as she studied her. The queen was an attractive, elegant, natural beauty. She possessed an athletic yet curvaceous figure. Her aura, especially in this dress, was exceptionally alluring. She had a feminine mystique about her that her master would find hard to resist. The people would love her. He has chosen well. She will be a perfect queen and when she is ready…
“What about my hair and makeup?” Leah interrupted Sini’s thoughts.
“I will take care of that. Let’s remove the dress and begin.”
Leah was used to wearing very frugal makeup, most of the time a splash of lipstick and eyeliner was her limit, and she said so to Sini.
“Trust me my lady. I know what will suit you. Let me do my work and I guarantee you will be pleased.”
Leah decided to throw caution to the wind and relaxed. She sat at one of the make up tables and her servant took to her task like a dedicated Picasso. The end result was astounding. The woman was an artist in her own right. Even in normal indoor light, the cleverly applied makeup hid any tiny imperfections, laugh lines, and the darker delicate skin under the eyes.
“Wow!” Leah exclaimed after Sini had applied the finished touches.
Sini played it down. “This makeup is the best available and well, I have good model to apply it to.”
Sini folded her arms examining it critically. “You are going to have to get used to having the best. If I may be so bold, my lady, you are a beautiful woman. The dress and the makeup are only there to enhance your natural beauty.”
Again, Leah felt embarrassed and her cheeks went pink. Her servant may speak in halting English, but the words she spoke were deeply meaningful.
“Thank you.”
Sini gave a slight nod. “You are most welcome.” Sini was satisfied. She knew the Supreme Ruler would love Leah even more, if that was possible. Sini so wanted her master to be happy at all costs. Her objectives were almost met. Leah looked radiant and her eyes glowed.
r /> “Now the hair.”
Yes, they would be good together.