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«Then don’t spar.» Serena said with a frown. «And sit this one out.»
Hunter cleared his throat:
«I actually agree with him, it might not be a good idea, since your muscles are still regenerating…»
«I’ll ask you this…» Serena tilted her head. «Would you prefer me fighting in a sparring session with one of you… or would you have me leave the estate and pick a fight somewhere else?»
Lindon and Hunter exchanged glances, sighing.
«Lindon, we both know she’ll do it on her own, if we don’t…» Hunter shook his head.
«Fine.» Lindon wasn’t happy, but threw his jacket off, walking up. «Then stand aside, if she hits you, she’s going to get hurt. My body isn’t as hard.»
Hunter raised his hands, walking aside and leaving the two on the floor. Serena seemed agitated a little, but smiled, taunting Lindon a bit. The Veluthian felt nervous, seeing her body still stiffened and not yet at its best. He feared she would cause herself harm, but he would rather have her try to spar with him, than Hunter, who was enhanced with cyber prosthetics, or some Veluthian in the city that will not care for her being not at her best.
As soon as they began their fight, Lindon immediately noticed the immense difference from what he knew about Serena as a fighter. Her back still seemed stiff, her hits – not as coordinated, even her steps were slower and less confident. Yet she fought, reaching him from time to time – barely – and the man knew – she wasn’t doing well at the moment. He hoped she wouldn’t be offended.
When he felt her strength failing her, he jolted towards, catching her and in a swift move dropped her to the floor. One thing he forgot – her back…
Serena gritted her teeth from the pain hitting her body, then grunted, but jumped up, and headed out without a single word.
«Shit.» Lindon exhaled, realising his mistake.
Hunter sighed heavily, shaking his head:
«You didn’t have to drop her on her back…»
«I know! I miscalculated!» Lindon growled.
He wanted to walk out, but Hunter stopped him.
«I know how you can make it up to her.» he said.
Lindon gritted his teeth:
«What do you suggest?»
«Take her out.» Hunter shrugged. «She’s been stuck in your estate ever since she got discharged from the hospital, so… maybe take her somewhere?»
«You think she’d appreciate me, who just slammed her against the floor, taking her somewhere?»
«She needs a bit of a breather from all her training she’s been doing.» Hunter twitched his brow. «And you need to apologize to her for doing… that.»
The cyborg gestured to the floor.
Lindon exhaled, nodding:
«You’re right…»
«So… invite her somewhere. I don’t know… even a visit to that restaurant you both took us to way back would be a good way to show her you’re seeing how she’s uneasy in these walls.» Hunter smiled. «Just… uh… give her a little time to cool down, alright?»
Lindon agreed, knowing very well that he could have bruised more than just her recovering back, but her ego as well. So he took his time, allowing her to settle her mind and calm down after their sparring session, before approaching her.
Seeing him at the door to her rooms, Serena frowned:
«Came to tell me I’m not yet recovered?» she asked. «I know that without your comments.»
She sounded calm, but he could see her eyes filled with what seemed like resentment.
«No, my lady. I came to apologize.» Lindon bowed. «I… I’m sorry, in the moment I just forgot that you had your back recovering still.»
Something in her gaze shifted and she frowned just a little:
«Forgot?»
«Yes, I honestly forgot. Please accept my deepest apologies for that. And allow me to compensate you for this mishap.» Lindon tried to smile. «I’d like to take you out for a stroll out in the city today. Is it something you would be open to consider?»
Serena took a few very long moments to answer, watching Lindon:
«You… forgot.» she repeated.
«I did. I am sorry.»
She sighed and waved her hand:
«Fine. Apology accepted. But you owe me a couple of drinks and something delicious for dinner.»
Lindon’s face lit up from joy:
«I’d be most happy to provide, my lady!»
«Wait here, I’ll change and we can go.» Serena pushed him slightly away from the door and closed it.
He waited, feeling happy she didn’t turn him down, until she appeared again – not in her plain clothes she was using mostly within his estate, but her crimson Captain’s attire. Her blades hung behind her back, and Lindon knew – she could never leave the estate without them. People of Laithora and Velutha had to see the Crimson Blade wherever she went.
She knew it. And Lindon knew it.
He bowed to her, smiling, and she offered him a faint, warm smile in return.
Even considering the circumstances that made him propose a day out to her, he was still happy. Serena could have turned him down, being offended with him after their sparring session, but for some reason she decided to accept. So he made sure to make her smiling again.
And – not to mention – he was proud to see people shocked at seeing her outside, walking confidently, when everyone knew that only but a few days ago she was stuck in the Imperial Hospital, recovering from a dire injury that most people wouldn’t have had survived.
It would have been a perfect day, if not for one small thing.
They were already heading back to their hover bikes after what turned out to be a perfect and pleasant dinner, when Lindon frowned at the tall, exceptionally muscular man approaching them. Serena seemed to be too deep in thought to notice the stranger.
In a moment of judgement Lindon thought this was a man of strength – he looked as if he was training hard every day of his life. He was also quite handsome, albeit somewhat of a brutal kind of masculinity in his traits. Cleanly shaven, well taken care of, the man seemed like one of those Veluthians Lindon always preferred to keep an eye on, if they were anywhere near.
This time was no different.
«Lady Serena!» the man approached them and bowed low, greeting the woman and her man. «Such an honour to meet the Crimson Blade herself on this wonderful day!»
Serena looked at this man – her face showing not a single emotion, and Lindon felt her tensing up just a little. Others wouldn’t have noticed that, but he did.
«Good day to you, sir…» Serena twitched her brow slightly, still very deep in her own thoughts.
«Roman Dorn Relas, at your service, my lady.» the man bowed again, this time slightly.
«A pleasure to meet you, Roman.»
«The pleasure is all mine, Lady Thara-Lyss. Allow me to congratulate you on your fast recovery and express my deepest gratitude for saving our Empress.»
«Thank you.» the woman answered with a slight nod, not really understanding what he wanted from her.
«Please, Lady Thara-Lyss, be so kind and spend some time with me. I am sure we can have a great time.» the smile Roman showed looked extremely pleased.
Serena slowly shook her head, feeling her back twitching in a sudden spasm she hid from everyone, who was looking:
«Respectfully, I have to decline your invitation, Roman.»
The man glanced at Lindon with a sudden squint:
«Would it be because the lady has an oath to keep?» he asked her cautiously.
«No.» Serena frowned, feeling irritated for being distracted from her thoughts.
«Lady Thara-Lyss, then I insist you consider spending some time with me.» Roman bowed slightly and extended his hand in a gracious gesture.
«I am sorry, Roman Dorn Relas, but I decline your invitation. I appreciate it, but I am not looking to seek any company in the meantime.»
Roman clenched his jaw, straightening:
«Then, respectfully, I, Roman Dorn Relas, challenge you, Serena Dal Thara-Lyss, to a duel for the opportunity of having you accompany me for the next several nights.» the man said loudly.
Whoever was already gathered around them – stiffened, excited to see Serena fighting. Others slowly approached, interested in the happening duel.
Lindon wanted to step up and say something against the duel, remembering well that even though Serena was discharged from the hospital – she was still nowhere near capable of fighting anyone at her full capacity. But Serena gritted her teeth and threw her jacket off, rudely shoving it into Lindon’s hands.
«Have it your way, then.» Serena hissed, glancing at Lindon and sending him aside – to all the other passers-by who decided to watch.
Lindon had no other choice, but to let her fight.
He stood there, watching, and – unlike others – saw how she moved differently from what she used to when she was healthy. A little heavier step, a bit of stiffness in her back…
He feared seeing her fight, and yet here she was – fighting.
Roman seemed quite the challenge for her – massive, heavy and strong, this brute compensated his lack of dexterity with strength. And though for a time Serena managed to avoid his heavy blows – Lindon knew it couldn’t go on for too long.
She did land a couple of great hits to the man, but to him they seemed too light to cause any real damage. Serena was, in fact, in trouble, and Lindon saw it.
The woman dodged quite well, until one of Roman’s blows caught her, as her body denied her the full stride aside. She went tumbling on the ground, and when she stopped, she was obviously dazed and incapable of continuing the fight.
Lindon couldn’t stay silent any longer, seeing Roman approaching her to claim his win.
«You are aware that she’s still recovering from her injuries, right?» Lindon said, taking a step towards the two. «She’s been released from the hospital on account she is no longer in need of their services, but the regeneration process is not yet finished.»
Roman frowned, leaned over to Serena and tore her blouse, baring her back.
People gathered around gasped at the sight of her deep scars and it was evident she was nowhere near being able to fight fairly.
Her opponent grunted and admitted:
«I declare this duel null and void. We shall fight again, when she’s fit to take the challenge.» he leaned in closer to Serena’s ear and whispered. «I’ll see you when you are better my lady. Even while having such injuries you are quite a formidable opponent. I’ll be looking forward to see you fight when you’re at your best. Though, I am hoping you would reconsider spending some time with me. I am a very honourable man and would gladly share my nights and days with you.»
As Roman stepped away, Serena slowly rose, feeling ashamed and humbled. Grasping at what was left of her blouse, she cursed herself for accepting the challenge.
When Lindon tried to cover her with her jacket, she slapped his hands away. But then she looked down at her torn blouse, ripped the jacket from his hands and walked off without saying a word, covering herself.
By the time they got to Lindon’s estate, the man became worried what others will say once they find out what Serena did and how it turned out. Wolfin and Hunter met them both at the staircase, but Serena pushed past them and hurried up the stairs to her room, locking herself from whoever wanted to speak to her.
Lindon sighed heavily and met Hunter’s frowning gaze.
«What the fuck, Lindon? We let you take her out and she comes back bruised and bloodied?!» the cyborg growled.
«She accepted a challenge for a duel.» Lindon exhaled, shaking his head. «She wouldn’t listen to reason…»
Wolfin glanced up at the second floor and then back at the man:
«And?»
«What do you mean «and’? She lost the duel!» Lindon scowled. «She’s still not recovered enough to be accepting challenges and facing assholes who want to brag about fucking the Crimson Blade!»
Hunter’s face turned shocked and enraged:
«What?!»
«Oh, don’t you worry, once the man gathered she wasn’t yet recovered fully, he declared his win null and void and promised to face her again after she’ll be at her best, so that the duel can be held fair.»
Wolfin twitched his brow:
«Who was it? Did he name himself?»
«Roman Dorn Relas.» Lindon scoffed.
Something in the way Wolfin looked away showed that he knew that name from somewhere – or the family at the very least.
Hunter took a few moments to push down his irritation:
«I take it, Serena didn’t take well to having lost the duel?»
«No, Hunter. As you might have noticed – she’s pissed.» Lindon scoffed once again. «And so am I. Roman won’t be the first, or the last to seek her company, and it honestly pisses me off that after she’s become the Saviour of our Empress, she’s looked at as a prized woman everyone wants to drag into their bed now!»
He wanted to walk off, but Wolfin stopped him, catching his shoulder:
«She declined Roman’s invitation, hence the duel?»
«Yes, she declined, Wolfin. Did you think otherwise?»
«No, but I asked for you to listen to your own words!» Wolfin took a pause, looking into the man’s eyes. «She declined…»
«I’m pissed, because with all the shit that was going on, I am not sure if she’ll decline ALL the invitations, Wolfin.» Lindon admitted, gritting his teeth.
Serena’s mentor took a deep breath and grasped Hunter’s shoulder as well, looking at the two men:
«Look… whatever happened between you two and Serena, from what I’ve gathered, she’s not yet burning the bridges with the two of you.» Wolfin glanced at Lindon. «If she were, she would have at least given some thought about all the marriage proposals that keep coming in.»
Hunter frowned in surprise:
«What do you mean – keep coming in?»
«I mean, Hunter, there are still offers being made to her. Offers she keeps declining.» the Veluthian tilted his head. «I know that all three of you messed up the relationships you all had. It doesn’t mean you can’t repair them. For you, Hunter, this means that you still can be together with Serena, for whatever time you will be alive. Perhaps, you’ll outlive us all, who knows. For Lindon…»
Wolfin looked at the man and sighed.
«You think there’s still a chance for me?» Lindon lowered his gaze, feeling too guilty to have done what he had.
«I can’t say, Lindon, but I do know that if she were done with the two of you… she would have already found a beneficial marriage proposal and someone to warm her bed. Safe to say – her options are plenty. But she keeps denying them all. Why? I think you two know the answer.» he pat the men’s shoulders and walked off, leaving them deep in thought.
Chapter 11. Apologies
It has been a few days since the humbling duel, and the men barely saw Serena at all. She either tortured herself in the training hall, avoiding everyone, or silently spent hours on end with something to read. Whenever they saw her, she tended not to look anyone in their eyes and always seemed deep in thought. No one wanted to bother her too much, so they gave her time to recover – both from the humiliation and her wounds.
This day wasn’t very different from any other, and Serena sat at one of the halls, studying something on the information tablet in her hands.
One of the servants – or, rather, one of the people Lindon’s family and himself took in to have as their personal guards – stepped up to Serena, bowing:
«Lady Thara-Lyss, there is a visitor at the door, asking to see you.»
Serena raised her eyes from the tablet and tilted her head:
«Does this visitor have a name?»
«He said his name is Roman and you would remember him.»
The woman immediately straightened, jumping to her feet and shoving the tablet into the servant’s hands, heading to the door. She felt enraged that Roman Dorn Relas would be looking for her so early on, and even more for the fact he dared to come to Lindon’s estate without an invitation.
Approaching the door and stepping out into the sun-lit square before the estate, Serena saw the man turning to face her and his lips curling up in a mile. Bowing, the man said:
«Lady Thara-Lyss. I am honoured you decided to see me.»
«What do you want, Roman? Another duel?» Serena replied harshly.
«No, my lady. I came to apologise for my behaviour. Our duel, however unfair it was, riled me up and I forgot about manners.» the man pressed his palm to his chest. «I beg your forgiveness for tearing your blouse and unveiling the terrible scars on your back. I shouldn’t have done that.»
Serena crossed her arms and studied the deep-brown, almost black eyes of this man.
«Apology accepted.» she said a few moments later. «Anything else?»
«I would like to extend that apology in form of an invitation to dinner to discuss some business opportunities that can be beneficial to us both.»
«Roman…» Lindon’s voice sounded behind Serena.
The woman glanced over her shoulder to see him standing at the door.
«Lindon Dorn Gray-Linn…» Roman bowed, greeting the man.
Lindon slowly approached and stood by Serena’s side:
«And what business opportunities are those?»
«I have a family business that deals in shipments of medical supplies. Since Lady Serena’s expertise has supplied the Laithorian Empire with a number of medicinal mixtures safe to use within humans of non-Laithorian descent, I wish to discuss with her the possibility of offering those mixtures to the colonies that have opened trade routes with us, denying what’s left of the Terran Company their usual market.» Roman smiled.
Lindon wanted to say something, but Serena raised her hand, stopping him:
«Alright, Roman… I’ll meet with you for… dinner and business.» she said.
Roman’s smile grew wider:
«I am most happy to hear that, Lady Serena.»
«When and where?»
Roman glanced at Lindon, who frowned at this answer:
«If you are free to discuss this now, I’d love to host you at my place, where I’ll be able to show you every piece of information I have on the possible profits…» Roman gestured towards his hover-bike.
Serena glanced at Lindon, then took a deep breath and looked at Roman again:
«Very well… a dinner then…» she stepped forward, but felt Lindon stopping her, when he caught her wrist. «Lindon, its fine. The man apologised for the duel and what he had done. He wants to discuss business, I can hear him out at least.»
«Captain…» Lindon studied her face and found her being calm and collected, as he used to see her before.
«I assure you, I will not do anything to her. I give you my word. I will not touch her, unless she gives me permission to do so.» Roman bowed a bit lower.
Lindon slowly released Serena’s wrist and approached Roman, squinting at him, even though the man was taller:
«If anything happens to my Captain, I will hold you personally responsible.»
«Once we will be done with our discussion, I will accompany her back to your estate safe and sound, Lord Gray-Linn. I give you my word.»
Lindon nodded, accepting the promise, but still turned to Serena, who stood there, watching their exchange.
«Lady Serena, if the need arises, give me a call.» the man said.
Serena nodded and gave him a pat on his chest, walking past to her hover bike that was parked at the side of the square.
Roman bowed again, stepping back from Lindon:
«Have a nice evening, Lord Gray-Linn.»
«Lord Relas.» Lindon nodded in reply.
Serena flew off after Roman, who was showing her the way, and Lindon stood there, worried for the woman – not because he didn’t trust Roman, but because he feared what the meeting could lead to.
As for his Captain – she was simply allowing the unexpected acquaintance to show himself as man of his word. She didn’t think he would actually offer her anything else other than the business proposal he spoke about. Otherwise she would have a very short meeting.
When they approached Roman’s estate – a small, but comfortable building, where the Relas family resided – the man smiled at his guest, descending to the parking square. In a matter of minutes he invited her inside, and once they settled in his private part of the estate, Roman treated her to a fine bottle of wine.
Serena was glad to see him exhibiting good manners and a sense of restraint towards her, although he definitely kept glancing at the woman, as if thinking how her body could look under her clothes.
Roman raised his glass and smiled:
«I must confess I was surprised you’ve accepted my invitation to discuss business…» he said.
«You apologised, like an honourable man, Roman. I value that. I can push past whatever happened between us, if the opportunity and profit are worth it.»
«They are worth it, my lady. I am sure of it.» Roman leaned in and studied her face. «Allow me to ask one thing… when was the last time you relaxed? I apologise for such a blunt observation, but you seem… tense. Am I that intimidating?»
«Not one bit, Roman.» Serena met his gaze with a confident stare. «I’ve been recovering from my injuries so long that I’ve forgotten what it is to relax.»
«I’m sorry to hear that, but…» he took a moment to think. «Perhaps, a mineral bath would be able to soothe your body and allow you to be more at ease during our conversation? My estate is smaller than that of Lindon Dorn Gray-Linn, but I do have mineral baths that help in recovering from all kinds of injuries.»
Serena fell into thought, remembering how Lindon reacted at Roman appearing at his doorstep.
«Are those baths that good?» she asked, not to seem overly rude to be quiet for too long.
«I assure you, they’ve helped me many times.» Roman stood and offered her his hand. «I’d love to know if you feel better while we talk.»
The woman twitched her brow and took his hand, standing up:
«I hope you’re not trying to get on my good side to drag me into your bed, Roman.»
«I gave you my word, Lady Serena. We’ll just talk… unless you’ll wish something else.» he smiled charmingly. «And I will keep my promise about dinner. After we talk in the bath, I’ll please your palate with something worthy of the Crimson Blade.»
«Very well…» Serena allowed him to take charge, leading her away from the dining table and into a private little garden with a beautifully set up mineral bath.
The water bubbled from a little spring that flowed from a stone boulder, and fell into a dark round bath tub, carved from black marble. The tub was surrounded by stone tiles, which gradually ended in a tranquil little forest, created from all kinds of trees, bushes and flowers, planted with such a thought that altogether they made a perfect little safe haven.
«I see, you take your privacy seriously.» Serena couldn’t help poking at the man.
«It’s my little meditation corner. I suppose, it helps me let go of the bustling life outside these walls.» Roman replied, carrying over to the tub a couple of bottles of wine.
After setting the wine and his glass down by the tub, he turned to Serena, who stood there – only a step away – watching him with a strange, thoughtful expression on her face.
«I guess, it does have its charm, Roman…» Serena glanced at the bubbling bath that emanated a pleasant aroma of some salts and minerals, mixed with herbs.
«Lady Serena, allow me one thing today…» Roman said, stepping up to her.
The woman looked up at him, locking eyes with the man, and saw him smiling almost gently.
«And what is that thing?» she asked.
«I’d like to help you undress… And see the scars again.» he admitted. «Not to gloat, but to admire the back of someone, who didn’t think twice shielding our Empress from the explosion.»
Serena tilted her head, studying his handsome face, and slowly nodded. Roman seemed to perk up a little, happy to have been granted such a request on his end, and took her glass, setting it aside. He slowly undid her jacket, stepping around her to stand behind the woman. Pulling down the top layer of her clothing he was gentle, as if afraid his touch could cause her harm. When he did the same with her blouse, Serena heard him gasp very quietly – not in horror, but in admiration.
«My crew said they look horrible.» Serena said calmly.
«They are…» Roman ran the tips of his fingers against the scars. «Fascinating. I can only assume how painful it was getting them.»
Serena grimaced, trying to hold in a scowl:
«Only for a moment or two. My nerves were burnt during the explosion. I passed out quickly.»
«It’s fascinating… because I don’t know anyone, who would survive such an extensive damage to their bodies.» Roman caressed her back, feeling the woman shivering, until a twitch appeared in her muscles below the shoulder-bone.