Never Let Me Go Chapter 3
Sheba chewed her bottom lip she followed Solomon through the large, pristine walls of their headquarters. They walked through multiple corridors, passing by different servants and magicians as they went. Sheba had explored many parts of the large compound in the past five years, but she didn't recognize this area at all. For a moment, Sheba wondered if Solomon had used the time to suddenly create a new section of the compound. It wasn't exactly realistic, but she still kept it as a possibility.
They continued walking in silence, their hands intertwined in the space between them. Eventually, Solomon stopped in front of two, chocolate brown doors. He released Sheba's hand as he turned to look at her.
"Close your eyes."
Sheba blinked. "What?"
"Close your eyes."
"Why? What's over there?"
"Just trust me," He smiled. Sheba glanced away, flustered, and closed her eyes. She could hear the doors open, and Solomon gently took her hand. She could hear the soft sound of a water fountain as it spouts gently from the middle and back into the pond around it. The floor beneath her gold slippers felt bumpy, like she was stepping on smoothed over rocks. She could smell something sweet in the air, and she sniffed curiously.
Solomon came to a halt. "You can open your eyes."
Sheba obliged and she gasped. They were underneath a dark, wooden gazebo with colorful lanterns hanging along the sides. Large and medium patterned pillows littered the floor, and in the middle was a low, wooden table. Bowls of fruits and glazed nuts and dishes of grilled fishes were part of the entries to choose from. Bottles of wine were at the edge, adding the finishing touch. Sheba glanced back and saw that the pathway was lit up by lanterns. The large bushes were coated in black, but some had spots of yellow and pink that were lit up from the lanterns. The two medium sized fountains added the serene sound of water being poured back into it's puddle.
"Solomon, this is.. Amazing.."
Solomon smiled and helped Sheba up onto the gazebo. They sat across from each other, but Sheba was still soaking in the sight before her.
"How did you even do all of this?" Sheba pointed to the lanterns, then to the food, then grabbed onto one of the pillows.
"I had some help getting this all together for you. I'm glad you like it."
Sheba squeezed the pillow. "This.. Is a dream, right? I mean, this-" Her cheeks flushed under Solomon's quizzical expression. "Nevermind. I guess I'm just still wrapping my mind over all of this."
Solomon had bent one leg up, close to his chest, as he watched Sheba take everything in. "As am I."
"Huh?"
"You're not the only one who's wrapping their mind around everything," Solomon looked up, his eyes pointed towards a red lantern behind Sheba. "I never pictured myself with someone like you."
Sheba frowned and looked down. She wondered if Solomon's ideal woman was Arba; after all, she was perfect. She had the stunning looks, the powerful skills of a magician, and the personality of a kindhearted mother. Not only that, but Arba had known Solomon since he was a boy. What kind of secrets were locked away that only Arba had access to? Despite this, Sheba shook off the doubt. It wasn't her place to think like that, especially on their first date. She looked back up with a smile.
"I am a little different, right?"
"I think that's an understatement. You're kind of weird."
Sheba scowled and threw the pillow at him without thinking. Solomon caught it, but he was laughing. Sheba relaxed when she realized that Solomon looked.. relaxed. She had seen him smile many times before, but there was something different about his smile this time. He looked more at ease, and he appeared genuinely intrigued with Sheba's quirks. Solomon was truly seeing her in a new light, and Sheba couldn't help but burst out in a bright grin.
"Lets eat!" Sheba said, trying to get more conversation going through food. Solomon gestured his hand out towards the food.
"Help yourself. The old woman helped make some of this."
"Old wo- WHAT?" Sheba dropped one of the grapes back into the bowl and slammed her hand onto the table. "Why would you do that? I thought you were paying her back!"
"I did. I found someone who could help her regain strength in her lower extremities. Apparently, she was a powerful magician who has been supporting the resistance for years and she wanted to do something more. Her children are actually in the squadrons you command. She wanted to pay you back after you saved one of them during one of your battles," Solomon leaned forward. "You've made a difference to someone's life."
Sheba was flustered and she rubbed the back of her neck. "R-Really? I'm glad.. I just didn't think she'd go through all this trouble for me, for us."
"You're giving people hope. "
Sheba's cheeks had turned a bright red. She was speechless; what else could she say? Solomon was praising her, and she wasn't sure if she was used to it yet. To make up for her embarrassing expression, Sheba proceeded to stuff her mouth with food in quick succession. Solomon chuckled.
The night drew on, and Sheba found herself talking quite a bit. She told Solomon about a clan of species she saw on one of her missions and how she was able to persuade them to join the resistance. Some parts may have been a little exaggerated, but Solomon saw through it and corrected her. They joked around and the garden was filled with laughter. The lanterns glowed different colors throughout the night, giving off a different aura throughout their date. Sheba liked the Solomon who smiled and joked around. She always pictured him as the scolding, overprotective figure who never let her out of his sights. She knew that it was his way of making sure she was safe, but it always got on her nerves. Now, Solomon was starting to show his lighthearted side; it was the side that many of his friends had talked about in the past.
They had nearly finished their meal when they heard the double doors open several feet away. Solomon's grin slowly turned into a neutral expression and Sheba turned around. One of the messengers was running towards Solomon with a parcel in his hand. He stopped in front of the gazebo.
"Lord Solomon, we've gotten new information on another tower," The messenger panted between words. "It's not good."
"I see," Solomon rose with grace and looked at Sheba with an apologetic expression. "I need to go."
Sheba waved her hand and smiled. "It's okay, they need you."
Solomon nodded, but he hesitated. Sheba stared into Solomon's perceptive, sapphire eyes; she wondered if he could sense her slight disappointment that their date was interrupted. However, when the resistance needed him, Solomon was the first to run and save the day. It was his duty, almost. Sheba watched as Solomon hurried back into the compound with the messenger, his dark blue locks swaying behind him. Sheba looked back at the table before she found herself lying down against the plump pillows. The lanterns slowly turned into a heavy blue, and Sheba couldn't agree more with the shade.
Sheba closed her eyes, relaying the dream over and over in her head. There was a moment where their fingers grazed together and she felt like there was an electric current running through her veins. Did Solomon feel the same way?
Was this the feeling of love?