This spiral of infatuation… I hate it.
Yunalesca laid her head down on her feathery soft pillow. She sighed, expressing her boredom. She always hated waiting for the outcome of the political meetings her father held and attended. And that thought of that Bevelle man—that Lord Zaon—who was completely unaware of who she was or the danger he was putting himself in. There was something very arousing about that. True, she didn't even know the man, and she would always love her father, Yevon, before anyone else. But this Lord Zaon… she could sense something about him. For the most part she hated the aura he emitted to her. Though part of her… was screaming for more.
Without further hesitation, she sat up from her bed and walked back out to the open hall, where she first met him. Every part of her had the intention of confronting Lord Zaon… delving into who he was. She had never met someone who made her feel absolutely uncomfortable—like she was going to scream if she was forced to be around them much longer. Perhaps, that was what was so sensual about the entire situation. The experience of new feelings.
Before she knew it, she was nearing the palace's entrance, quickly approaching the almost pathetically tall and large front doors. She pushed them open with some added effort, her bangles jingling with her trembling of anticipation. Outside, she could see Lord Zaon, slowly walking down the steps.
Yunalesca felt the urge to call out to him… She quickly stopped herself from resorting to such a childish action. Even if she were to say something, she would have been interrupted by his turning around and smiling to her. It was a warm and radiating smile. Yunalesca hated it so much that she couldn't help but love it. In return, she offered a very small, almost forced smile… She'd play along with this.
"Ahh, m'lady. Can I help you with something?" Zaon asked. His smile had faded to a quiet but intentional smirk. To Yunalesca, this was much more 'her style.'
"Yes, Lord Zaon," she announced, almost as if to mock him, "You could explain your business with Lord Aku and your purpose for visiting my humble city more thoroughly to me." Lord Zaon raised an eyebrow to her, his smirk faded altogether.
"'Your city'? …May I ask how Zanarkand could possibly 'your city'?" Yunalesca simply rolled her eyes, letting a dramatic sigh escape her ruddy lips.
"So you obviously have no idea who I am?"
"I would think if I knew, I would have addressed you as such by now."
He's quick, witty, and to the point. Hmph. Interesting. Yunalesca thought.
"I am Lady Yunalesca, only child of Lord Yevon, my father." Her expression was now one of the 'listen and respect me now' type of looks. To her surprise, he wasn't impressed at all. In fact, he seemed thoroughly amused by the whole matter.
"Well, Lady Yunalesca," he was now obviously mocking her, "If you wish to discuss my business in 'your city,' you could accompany me for lunch in 'your city.'" Somehow, Zaon had struck Yunalesca as a more caring person… not at all like this. Perhaps his previous kindness was an act—a show. And as much as she'd enjoy lunch with this stranger, it didn't take long in her thoughts to recognize his origins from Bevelle.
"Very well," Yunalesca said, agreeing to go with him. At that moment, she desired to slap herself. It was like he was seducing her… which was not the way she wanted it to be like. It was her responsibility to seduce him.
"Is your interest in this lunch for your own purpose or in interest of Bevelle?" she asked, wanting to figure out why he was being so casual with her—still—even after she had made her status very aware to him. That's probably what compelled her to say yes… well, that's how it went in her mind, anyways.
Zaon nodded to her, indulging in her desire to understand his motives.
"I assure you that it's strictly personal. I have no intention of harming the great daughter of Yevon." He offered a small smile in reassurance. She nodded back to him, walking further down the stairs leading up to the palace, him following her lead. The two than walked into the city.
This was the first time Yunalesca had ever left without her father. Strangely—and to her surprise… she liked it.
—————
The sorrow that filled the city was all around her. Yunalesca had to admit she was quite comfortable with the sorrow hanging over her. Though it didn't seem to even phase Zaon. He just not be in tune with his senses. In truth, it was the fact that deep down, she was so incredibly malicious. Her inner, ominous self was just itching to come out. She inherited this certain evilness from her father. The unforgiving, selfish yet sacrificing self that Yevon had.
"So why did you come here?" Yunalesca inquired. She couldn't fathom why Zaon would exchange any information about Bevelle's plans with the officials of Zanarkand. He didn't seem very loyal or dedicated to his city. His city. Zaon grinned.
"Well… It's in best interest of both countries… I mean, does it really have to come down to war?"
"Are you trying to tell me you have no interest in war? Aren't you some kinda of general…?" Zaon was beginning to confuse her.
"I don't think violence will solve anything. Besides, it seems that Zanarkand's got enough problems…" Zaon stopped himself right there. Yunalesca's red eyes began to flicker with intensity.
"What do you mean about Zanarkand and it's problems? There are no problems with my father, Yevon, ruling it." Yunalesca folded her arms, as they walked. A few of the passerbys bowed towards Yunalesca. She ignored them all, her eyes fixated on Zaon, who dared insult her city.
"You mean you can't sense it?"
"Sense what exactly…?" Yunalesca asked. He couldn't possibly sense… sense this intoxicating sorrow? …Could he? It was obvious Zaon was contemplating on letting out what he wanted to say. He shifted his weight awkwardly as they walked. It looked as if he was about to tumble over in his… stupidity.
"I don't think your father—Lord Yevon—does things in best interest of the people around here. There seems to be a looming blanket of sorrow hanging over the city…" Zaon winced a little, after letting that out. Yunalesca stopped stiffly in her tracks. Zaon could tell he had offended her deeply. He, too, stopped and looked towards her, awaiting her response.
"My father, Yevon, is the greatest ruler Zanarkand has ever seen." Her eyes were flickering even stronger now. Zaon could sense the hidden malice within her. It was very intimidating. He winced again after just looking at her. Her whole body seemed to be glowing with rage.
"I didn't mean to offend you, Yunalesca. Perhaps it's just an outsider's opini—"
"Don't even try to justify your thoughts, Zaon." She continued walking again, towards the pub down the end of the street. Zaon shook his head, unable to think of anything to say.
"So why do you want to help us?" Yunalesca asked. She really could not fathom his true purposes… or if he had any motives for that matter.
"I… want to help its sorrow," Zaon forced out. Yunalesca looked down at her almost bare body, clad in a few sashes with descriptions in Zanarkand's ancient, native tongue. She slid her fingers through her silvery hair, taking in a deep breath of the sorrow-filled air.
"Well, you're too late for that," Yunalesca said.
—————
Lord Aku and Yevon exited the chaos of the room together. Lord Aku looking stressed and out-worked, while Yevon stood next to him, truly pleased.
"I swear—" Lord Aku began, but Yevon cut him off almost instantly. He held up his light, soft and delicate hand again; Lord Aku ceased his talking.
"Aku… Dear old friend…" Yevon began. The grin on his face grew to a very intimidating smile, "You needn't worry about the council's approval. I, afterall, am in charge of things here." Lord Aku bowed to his leader.
"But do you really think you'll be able to, your highness?" Yevon looked at the old and aged man before him—the battle hardened general turned Lord… questioning him.
"I would expect more faith and loyality from someone like you, Aku. You insult me."
"I digress, your highness. I was merely asking you of your faith in your plan." Yevon flashed his eyes at Aku. Aku, liked Zaon did, winced at the site of his blood red eyes.
"I would never question my power. And you should best watch your own." Aku nodded meekly, feeling more inferior than he did before. Yevon glared at him, happy that Aku was put back in his place.
Even if he didn't do much wrong in the first place.
—————
Well, there you have it. Chapter 2. I do hope you're enjoying this fanfiction. I have every intention of making it atleast 20 chapters. If you don't mind, some reviews would rock. I'd like to know what everyone thinks ;)
Don't expect this fic to be too fluffy and stuff… though I do guarantee some in the future. I still have to get it going, but generally, I like the direction this fic is taking. - Sarah