Aiyana's face broke into a grin. "Thank you sire! If you could write a confirmation my guards will leave."
The Commander nodded once. "You will have it in the morning." He paused. "You will not be taking the letter?"
"No sire. I am bid stay here, alone, as a sign of trust. The Princess hoped you would appreciate the gesture."
The Commander smiled warmly. "Certainly. I will have a suite made ready for you." He signalled to the servant behind, him who scuttled off, and raised his gavel. "It is late. This meeting is ended, you may retire." The gavel sounded.
The Generals filed out slowly leaving Aiyana alone with the Commander and Valek. She had sent her guards off to collect her belongings. The servant re-entered the room and nodded to the Commander. "Your room is ready." He said. "Get some rest and I will meet with you again later. Valek will show you the way." He stood, dismissing them both.
Valek rounded the table watching Aiyana closely. Partly because he found he couldn't keep his eyes off her and partly to see her reaction. Most people were wary of his company given his reputation. She held his gaze all the way until he was just inches away, and then he brushed past her.
"This way."
She followed slightly behind him as he walked the corridors; something he was mildly relieved about as he was able to think clearly. He didn't like the effect being close to her had on him. Normally he was immune to the affects of women but in the short time he had been in her presence felt strange. It occurred to him for the first time that Aiyana didn't seem to be afraid of him. He felt no apprehension coming from her despite being alone with the best known assassin ever. Well it is obvious that you're not going to hurt her! Said the voice in her head. And let's face it, you may have only met her an hour ago, but you're not sure you would hurt her if you had the chance. The thought popped into his head out of nowhere and he pushed it out of his head just as they stopped.
"This will be your room." He said, opening the unlocked door.
"Thank you." She replied. "Would you send someone to show my guards somewhere to stay, and send them here with my things?"
After a brief pause where Valek considered saying no; he wanted to rest, not run around after guests, he found himself saying. "I'll see to it right away."
The smile she gave him nearly took his breath away. Nearly. Silently he admonished himself. Get a grip Valek! Since when has a pretty smile had that effect on you? He inclined his head a little in her direction, spun, and walked away.
On the other side of the door Aiyana sank onto the bed smiling. Her task was complete, the delegation was allowed. While she waited for her guards she replayed the evening in her head. She was pleased at how the proposition had been received and was confident the delegation would be successful. When her things had arrived and her guards retired, she settled into bed. As she drifted into sleep she found Valeks' face in her mind. He was not how rumours portrayed him to be but she wasn't surprised, rumours had a way of being exaggerated. While she had not made it obvious she had observed him closely in the meeting; as she had all the Generals. When his piercing blue eyes had connected with hers it had taken her breath away and she had momentarily forgotten what she was about to say. She rolled over and let out a deep breath. Concentrate Aiyana! You didn't come here to get distracted. He may have amazing eyes but don't forget he is an assassin. Sighing again she closed her eyes.
The following morning when Valek entered the war room to taste the Commanders breakfast he was surprised to see Aiyana sat at the table with him. Even more surprising, she had not started eating. There was no rule stopping guests from eating before the Commander yet she was respectfully sat with her plate, untouched, in front of her.
"Ah Valek, nice of you to join us." Said the Commander joyfully. "Come, taste my food before this poor girl has to suffer through another bout of questions!" He smiled at Aiyana.
"Not at all Commander. You are entitled to ask any questions you wish. Ixia and Tertia have been separated a long time. I just hope I can answer them to your satisfaction." She replied, smiling. It was not missed on Valek that this was a far more formal smile than the one that had nearly floored him the night before. As they started to eat the Commander said, "Is there anything you require today?"
"Sire, I am only a servant…" She started. The Commander held up a hand.
"That may be so. But your mistress obviously holds you in high enough regard to send you on a potentially dangerous mission to seek peace for our lands. Because of you I may once again see one of my oldest friends. If there is anything you require please do not be afraid to ask."
She smiled gratefully. "Thank you for your hospitality sire. At present all I would ask is freedom to explore your fabulous palace and its grounds."
The Commander smiled. "That is easily granted. You may go where you please. If you need anything else Valek will assist you in the first instance."
Valek started. He had only partially been listening to the conversation, trying not to get drawn into Aiyanas' eyes like the night before.
"Me sir?"
"Yes. You Valek." It seemed as though the Commander had said it off the cuff and was now considering it a good idea. "I am placing you at her disposal. Her safety is to be one of your top concerns."
"But sir…"
"Can you think of someone more suitable for me to place her safety with?" It was not a question which required an answer, nor did Valek give one. "As you wish sir."
"If I may be excused Commander? I will leave you to get on with you day."
The Commander nodded his consent and Aiyana left the room.
"Keep an eye on her Valek. I don't want anything jeopardising talks with Tertia, especially before they even begin. You know how certain Generals act."
"Yes sir."
As Valek left the room to continue his day he felt a moment of excitement. Despite his vocal misgivings something inside of him was a little thrilled at the prospect of having some contact with Aiyana. Oh for goodness sake, get a hold of yourself; she's just a girl!...With eyes like honey and a smile to die for…Don't even go there…He warned himself. Still, he found Aiyanas' face in his thoughts more than once that day.
Mid-afternoon there was a quiet knock on his door. Cross at being interrupted Valek snapped out "Yes!" The door opened slowly and Aiyana peered around the door. "Am I interrupting you?"
"No, not at all." He lied, setting down his pen. "Please sit." She zigzagged across the room through his stacks of books. As she sat in front of his desk he caught the smell of jasmine. His heart did a 360 in his chest and he struggled to keep his face blank. "What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if I could have permission to ride in the paddock. The stable master was quite awkward about it."
He was slightly disappointed that she wanted nothing more complex from him. "I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem. I will contact the stable master and tell him to allow you access."
"Thank you." She paused for a second before standing. "Sorry to take up your time." She said as she left the room and silently closed the door.
Aiyana grimaced as she walked down the corridor, hoping that Valek hadn't seen through her pathetic excuse to see him again.
Valek was left surrounded by her scent and unable to concentrate for the remainder of the day.