She had agreed to the assignment, now it was only a matter of the Master and the Princess working out the fine details. Much as Ameerah had she had half expected him to protest the assignment, to insist that it was too dangerous or even for him to be offended that she was asked to go without him. Akuma had only ever agreed if he could tag along and make sure she was alright. Perhaps it was his lack of knowledge on just what she was or what she had been trained to do, or even that he was simply worried, but he had never trusted in her skill or he was afraid too. Perhaps that was why she allowed a look of surprise to actually show on her face when he commented on her skill and her...perfection. Perfect. He’d called her perfect.
Her eyes rose to glance at him from the corner of her eye, the blush that was becoming more and more common since being with him staining her cheeks with a faint rosy glow. She would hardly call her self perfect, but then it wouldn’t occur to her to comment on her skill. She was what she was. That was all. So caught up in the idea that he had called her perfect she nearly missed hearing him demand that Ameerah pay her directly so as to avoid theft from another empire employee. Her eyes widened and her head actually rose as Valorius leaned forward, her grip tightening on Antonio’s hand though she quickly schooled her face back into its unreadable mask.
Whatever she thought was going to happen was alleviated by Valorius’ words. His assurance that Rain would get what was due her followed by the statement that she was still family. It was then that she dared a glance at the Prince, a gentle msile curling her lips in silent gratitude. The Prince had befriended her when she still belonged to Akuma, both of them taking refuge in one another while Akuma and Ameerah had continued their affair. They had considered becoming lovers but ultimately neither of them wished to be with anyone but who they loved and shortly after Ameerah had given herself to Valorius, thus ending whatever Akuma thought he was getting. Valorius had remained her friend, however, and she was grateful for his reassurance that she still mattered to the family.
That being settled Ameerah handed her the amulet that would allow her to travel from the Empire to Aleris and back. It was identical to the ones she had used to travel when on the Sultan’s business before and knew exactly how to use the talisman. She had her instructions so when Ameerah said she could leave when she wished she rose from her chair, Antonio at her side, and departed the Empire with a respectful nod both the Prince and Princess before departing. The same Hunter who had escorted them to the office was there to take them back out of the Catacombs, the palace seemingly empty of the servants who had been there when they arrived. Harris was waiting outside with the transportation and just like that they were off, returning to the Villa.
They made the trip in relative silence, her hand remaining clasped with his as they headed home, her thoughts turning to the assignment ahead. She would leave as soon as possible, as soon as they arrived home if Antonio permitted it. She saw no reason to delay. The sooner she got it done the sooner she could return home. Arriving at the Villa she eased from the transportation behind Antonio and followed him up the steps to the Villa’s front doors. “I will leave to night, with your permission Lord Antonio.” She had never balked at any of her assignments but now she found herself sad to be departing. It would be a quick assignment, a day at the most really, but that didn’t mean she would regret not being here with him.
Once back in their room she began to strip off the clothing he had dressed her in to go and meet with the Imperial pair. First came the dress which she hung back in the closet, then the stockings which were folded into a drawer. Leaving on the panties she began to pull out the clothes she had arrived with. A form fitting black tank top was pulled over her head before being covered with the black hoodie. A pair of black leather pants so soft and well maintained they would make no noise when she moved was slid over her curves to fasten around her hips. Gazing into the mirror her demeanor slowly changed as she donned her old clothing, the emotion that had begun to show in her face and eyes draining away to leave the cold indifference that most in her profession possess.
Rianbow colored hair that fell to her shoulder blades was pulled into a pony tail to keep it out of the way and on top of it all came the weapons. By the time she was done she was armed to the teeth but you wouldn’t be able to see any of it or even tell she was carrying a weapon based on her appearance. Once she was ready she turned to face Antonio, her eyes rising to glance at him from beneath her lashes. Her lips parted as though to say something but no words came out. What should she say? Will you miss me? Don’t forget about me while I’m gone? Will you console yourself with another woman in my absence? She knew he was with Kisa so naturally if the feline returned he would be with her. None of it mattered, not really. She belonged to him whether he would miss her or not, whether he would forget about her or take another woman to his bed. For a brief moment he would see the confusion and doubt in her gaze before all emotion slowly bled from her eyes leaving them empty and cold, the very eyes you would expect to see from your killer.
”I’ll return as soon as possible...” She finally said, the words seeming hollow. She would do her job, and do it well, and return to him when she was done, regardless.
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 4:01 pm
