Coveted Jewels
The darkness set in, slowly closing the world away into a tight box. Sounds of heavy explosions shook the ground; mortar shells battered against human bone and flesh splattering them across the forest floor like an exploding water balloon. The thick, acrid smell of smoke curled in his nostrils: burning wood, decaying leaves, melting dirt, bodies baking between layers of wet mud under the heat of the sun. Hot blood flooded his mouth as he fell to his hands and knees: the first blow had come from behind and it had smashed into his forehead, knocking him dizzy and almost unconscious; when he looked up again the world around him was slipping out of focus. He reached out blindly for something solid to hold onto but there was only air. And then he saw it: a man fell beside him; another one followed, crashing to the ground while another writhed on top of an impaled blade buried deep in his chest. His vision narrowed ahead of him; trees shook violently, black smoke rising between them. Everything was kicking into overdrive. Time slowed down—he could see every tiny detail around him like watching a movie that ran too slowly: sweat running down foreheads, eyes widening with fear, fangs sinking into veins, heartbeats slowing down until they were no more than thumps in time with the fall of footsteps … A hand reached down, yanking him from the mud.
“RICO!” The air screamed in desperation, Rico's mind fumbled to catch up with his surroundings; he couldn't comprehend what had happened, why was there a pool of blood at his feet and why did his skin crawl when the sun touched the horizon? He shook his head, trying to clear it as another wave of dizziness flooded him.
“RICO!” Shakk yelled again, his voice cutting through Rico's hazy state like a sharp blade.
Shakk's hand gripped him by the collar, yanking him to his feet with a force that took Rico by surprise. A putrid smell of burning flesh rose across the plains, and the sounds of shattering glass filled the air as warbirds flew overhead, and warriors descended slowly into the chaos. Shakk laughed, leaning against a nearby wall and releasing a heavy breath. He turned to Rico and solemnly handed him a gun. "Listen here kid, whatever happens from this point on - pay attention to your surroundings, protect yourself at all times and remember everything I've taught you." Shakk smiled weakly before raring back up and placing armor onto his shoulders.
"I believe in you kid, now run." With those last words echoing in Rico's mind like an eternal promise, Shakk readied his assault rifle and charged into battle.
Rico desperately lunged forward with one desperate final thought that he could stop Shakk's fate. He couldn't find the words to shout out, his throat felt like it was sealed shut. The once pristine marble streets were now marred by the stain of blood and death, reflected in Rico’s bulging eyes as he watched Shakk sprint away. Gunfire reverberated wildly around him as Shakk pulled back the rifle with a screech. Forced into motion, bodies of women and children were stuffed into bushes like rag dolls. Shakk pushed forward undaunted, rifle firing wildly at anyone who stood in his way. Rico stumbled against a wall, gathering himself together to do something, scrambling for some idea of how he could help until one final gunshot echoed through the air. Shakk fell to his knees with a bloody smile on his face. He bit off the end and lit the flame slowly before Jon appeared before him with a Glock pressed firmly against Shakk’s forehead. The sound of the gunshot ricocheted off the buildings until it met Rico's ears, and he stared in shock at Jon who returned his gaze coldly. His heart raced and pounded inside his chest until it felt ready to burst, shaking uncontrollably at what he had just witnessed. He screamed in agony. His body plummeted to the ground, and he could feel a weightlessness that was both liberating and terrifying. When his eyes opened, he saw golden rafters reaching up above him, and the familiar smell of aged oak filled his nostrils. The silk sheets of the bed enveloped him like a mother’s embrace, but Rico felt a newfound terror as sweat drenched the fabric. He sprang out of bed, frantically searching for any wounds that may have been inflicted in his nightmare. As he looked around the room desperately, he heard Jon’s voice call out from beside him: “Rico, chill, it's just a dream.” Rico was transfixed by Jon’s presence, not knowing how to react after witnessing him pull the trigger on Shakk just moments ago. Despite a sense of unease, Rico allowed himself to relax and take a deep breath.
His palm slid across the floor and left a trail of sweat in its wake. His eyes locked onto Jon’s, he asked himself if it was a premonition or if he had just been so stressed from the last few days that his brain broke down. Jon stood up to comfort him.
“You good?” The sun crept through the windows, breaking free of the cover of night.
The light glided across the floor and flooded Rico with a warm glow as he tried to quiet his nerves. A dove cooed outside one of the windows and then another answered in kind. They chirped like a choir of angels, their notes intermingled with each other creating an angelic harmony unlike any other. Then he heard the roar of water being dropped over rock. The sound washed over him and calmed his anxiety by sending tingles up his spine. A line of willow trees swayed along one side of the lawn, nearly touching the ground with their long branches dripping with moss and dangling flowers. He could smell their sap in the air as they opened their leaves to soak up energy from the sun behind them. The grass beneath felt like a velvet carpet, its rough surface scratched slightly against his bare feet but not enough to cause pain or discomfort. Centrallica never held things like green grass for leisurely enjoyment, there was only smoke and lead most of the time. Staring at this incredible sight made it hard to concentrate on anything else around him except how beautiful it was and how badly he wanted to roll through it or even dive into it but he had more important things to tend to first; like that odd dream he had when he woke up this morning….He shook his head to clear his thoughts; no time for that now! He whirled around, his heart pounding in terror that someone had crept up on him while his mind had been so far away. But all he found were two maids standing solemnly at attention, their eyes fixated straight ahead. Rico bowed his head in acknowledgment and the taller maid shifted forward, crossing her arms in front of her smaller and younger companion to protect her from the penetrating gaze of Rico.
"Our Lady would like to see you in her garden, Sir Rico," she said in a deep brooding voice, her calm demeanor hiding the unmistakable hint of displeasure as she looked into his eyes.
"We shall wait here for you. Please change your attire and follow us." She bowed and stood tall, her hands clasped behind her back.
Rico's shoes scuffed against the hardwood as he raced towards the villa doors. He swung them open wide with a loud creak, revealing Jon cowering on the bedside with a knife in his hand. His brown eyes glared over the sheets, daring Rico to move.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
"What the hell is your problem?" Jon yelled, quickly sliding the knife into his boot as he stepped forward.
Rico stood still in the doorway, his eyes widening as Jon moved closer. His heart thundered in his chest and he gripped the doorknob to keep himself from trembling. Jon smacked him across the cheek, demanding an explanation. Rico stood at attention, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth.
"I have a date," he replied. He threw outfit after outfit onto the room floor, searching desperately for the perfect combination to impress Jewel. His skin crawled as his excitement rose with each article of clothing he added to the pile. Images of Jewel danced through his head, her face beaming with happiness, her hair shimmering with sunlight, her hands twirling gracefully in the air. He finally found what he was looking for: a velvety black tunic lined with gold and bronze horses standing on their hind legs. The embroidery glowed against the dark fabric, the stitching intricately detailed across the back where the horses’ necks arched over his arms. The pants were decorated in an identical pattern and color, made from silky fabrics that flowed like water under the light.
The loafer had a metal link that was attached to the pendant by its chain. A leaf as a charm hung from it. He stood in awe as he removed his shirt and pants and slid his feet into the loafers, which hugged his pale ankles with their soft leather. The fabric smelled delicious, fresh like an autumn field after rain. He paused for a moment before putting the tunic on, breathing in the scrubbed cotton smell once again. He pulled the tunic over his head and buttoned each button on the soft material. Each button hugged his midsection tightly with its wide, thick thread. He had no idea how much money this outfit had cost him, but he was sure that if his mother saw him in it she would assume he had stolen it from some of the high-end boutiques in the upper districts back home. He couldn't help but crack a smile at his reflection in the mirror before he spun on his heel and rushed past Jon, who was sitting on the bed with a look of annoyance. He felt like his feet weren't even touching the ground as he sprinted towards the marble platform at the end of the hallway, panting for breath when he arrived.
“Please,” he said to the maid standing by, “lead the way.”
The glorious archways intertwined with ivy and vines, the lush greenery reaching upwards, almost kissing the sun as it glowed in the sky. The milky marble walls were laced with vibrant blooms of every color imaginable, while the pathway sprawled out to a delicate gazebo that sat tranquil within its confines. A small pond, its depths filled with koi of gold and orange, quietly rippled beneath the surface, occasionally erupting with the fish in search for air. The sweet scent of lilac and amber permeated the air, and the sound of small heels clacking against the pavement echoed all around. Fireflies danced along the petals of roses in harmony, bringing alive a magical wonderland. Rico felt a wave of anxiety wash over him, threatening to overwhelm his senses. His heart raced in his chest as conflicting emotions tore at him. He found her beautiful, but he doubted that she felt the same. Was he overreading the situation? Fear of rejection clawed at his mind and he questioned whether he should make a move or if she would rather be set up with Jon. With each step, the pressure on Rico's mind seemed to increase until finally, his strides slowed, and his palms stopped sweating. He steadied himself, lifting his gaze from the street below. His eyes looked ahead with assurance, and he could make out Jewel's silhouette in the distance.
“Damn” he whispered to himself.
Her dress clung to her curves like a second skin, the shade of her gown was a ravenous blood red, invoking thoughts of passion and desire. The slit up one side revealed a tantalizing glimpse of her smooth leg, adorned with delicate stitches that seemed to trail enticingly up toward her hips. Her petite feet were adorned with French heels, adding to the seductive mystery she exuded. Around her neck lay a string of pearls, nestled in the valley between her collarbones, drawing attention to the creamy skin there. The branches above cast their shadows over her, creating an alluring play of light and dark on her jawline. And her hair, oh her hair...a wild cascade of waves tumbling down her blushing shoulders, begging for someone's hands to get lost in it.
She gave him a graceful smile, and he felt his throat tighten. She stood and extended her arm, and Rico dropped to one knee, pressing a kiss against the back of her hand.
“You can leave now,” she said sternly to the maids before turning to Rico.
“Please sit,” she said sweetly, gesturing to the empty chair at the table.
The tea set before him sparkled in the light—the quartz teapot and cups were adorned with intricate carvings, each detail shimmering like a precious gem. He sat in silence, mesmerized by the beauty of the set before him. She moved gracefully around the table, her stilettos tapping against the cobblestones with purpose. Her scent filled the air, a unique blend of florals and perfume that intoxicated him. As she approached him, her hips swayed in perfect rhythm with her steps, captivating his attention. With delicate precision, she picked up the small plate and cup and placed them before him with a soft clacking sound. The aroma of wild berries and green tea enveloped his senses as the steaming liquid poured forth. Closing his eyes, Rico indulged in every sip, savoring the mixture of flavors and scents that transported him to another world. He was jolted from his thoughts by the feeling of pressure on his lap. With a snap, he opened his eyes to see Jewel staring back at him, her gaze penetrating deep into his soul. She began to rock her hips gently against him, causing a surge of electricity to shoot through his body. His lips parted in surprise at her bold gesture, and he couldn't help but let out a soft gasp. She nestled into his neck, her warm breath tickling his skin with each movement. Her slender arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer and making his heart race. As they embraced, Rico's hands hovered over her curvy frame, almost afraid to touch her beauty. But when the moment was finally broken, he couldn't resist any longer and pulled her flush against him. He could feel the gentle curves of her body beneath his palms, sending shivers down his spine. She smelled like a summer day; sweet and intoxicating like delicate blossoms in an early morning breeze. Her words were laced with promise as she whispered in his ear, causing him to pause as he leaned back in his chair and savored the moment. He was nervous no woman had come on to him, usually they only buttered him up to get to Case or to try to get to know Jon, he had never felt wanted by any woman, let alone one as beautiful as this, Jon’s warning played in his head on repeat.
“Jon says you want something from me.”
“And what does Jon know? It sounds to me like he’s jealous I didn’t want him.
She cupped her hands around his face, running her fingertips under his chin.
“Why did you pick me?”
“I see the potential and I think you're cute.”
“I wish other people thought like you, I'm usually the last choice.”
“ They're blind, and I have vision, people like Jon, only see what's in front of them and deny anything else, I can see the true you, I see what you can be.”
“What do you see?”
“We can get to that later right now. I want you, does it matter what anyone else thinks?.” A playful smirk crept across her lips. His grip tightened on her hips as he pulled her closer.
“Just tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it," he groaned in a dazed state.
“You only need to do what I tell you.” you," she purred seductively. His breath caught in his throat as he uttered.
“Not a problem.”
A wild fire burned in her eyes as their lips collided, igniting a primal desire. Their bodies rocked back and forth on the creaking chair, her nails digging into his neck as she straddled him with fierce determination. She tore at his clothes, desperate to feel him inside her. With ferocious urgency, she freed his throbbing dick and spat on it before pushing herself onto it with a soft moan. Their gazes locked as she moved her hips, grinding against him at different angles, sending waves of pleasure coursing through both of their bodies. The breeze carried their heated moans and the rhythmic thumping of their bodies against the wooden chair. As they reached new heights of ecstasy, the clattering of silverware falling to the floor and a teapot shattering on the marble added to the symphony of their passion. The rustling leaves and howling wind seemed to amplify their shared release, filling the garden with raw sensuality. The fireflies danced in the distance, the moonlight illuminating the blades of grass where the gilded teapot had fallen, in its reflection the two locked in an embrace of lust.