Chapter 5

The Patriarch

Rocking back on my heels, I was stunned to see someone shut down my arrogant escort like that. This mystery person clearly outranked or somehow had a great deal more power than the obnoxious Royal Guard. I still can't believe how quick Seetra jumped out of the chair when the woman snapped at her. Who is this person called Patriarch? And, more importantly; why is she looking at me like that?

From the rim of her raised glass, she took another sip of her wine as she slowly paced around me with great interest. Although a little shorter than me, her body was long and slender as her limbs peeked out from under her clothing. Conducting my own analysis, I stared back at the woman who was dressed, unlike any Awoken I had ever experienced before, including those in the market place.

Her haircut was similar to the queens; only shorter and a lot darker. It was so brown it almost looked black. Against her pale white skin, the color and style were a perfect addition to her alluring essence. Looking bored, she turned her attention back towards the beverage cart. As she floated across the floor to retrieve more wine, her near shag moved like a black sea; drawing you in even more. It was hard not to stare. Compounding my inability to think clearly was her outfit, or shall I say lack of one.

What some might call a dress; looked more like a scrap of fabric that barely draped over her shoulders. It did not leave much to the imagination concerning her cleavage and breasts. Fastened by something I could hardly say was a ribbon, it wrapped around her curvaceous hips, barely clutching the silky material closed. Further enticing the overall look of the fuchsia colored garb was a very toned pair of thighs and a svelte stomach. Subconsciously feeling my collar getting tighter around my neck, I realized that I had never seen such an intentionally provocative woman before; at least in this lifetime.

Continuing to saunter about the room, her long slender legs beckoned anyone's attention in the room. If Seetra had been sent to antagonize me, then this person was surely sent for an entirely different reason. Painfully slow, she licked a droplet of wine off her bottom lip. Oh God, I thought, this woman oozed seduction with every step she took.

Feeling my body temperature suddenly rise, I started to massage my temple. Quick, I thought, think of something strategic. That will take you mind off those.. um.. yes something guardian like, of course. My eyes peered over her body. It did not take long to notice that unlike the Royal Awoken Guards, she had no facial markings. I thought her untouched until I noticed a small symbol above her right eye. About the size of my thumb, it was the queen's symbol and it was very prominent. I couldn't help but think, oh how the Queen does like to mark her belongings.

Sensing what I was thinking the Patriarch revealed, "The Queen does like to keep what is hers."

Subconsciously, my hand rose to massage my temple where her tattoo was.

Again feeling like she was reading my thoughts she replied, "No it didn't hurt." She dragged a hand over the chair back Seetra had been sitting in earlier, "Well not that I can remember." Her svelte stomach rippled under the outfit as she moved.

Keep it together guardian, I told myself as I pulled at my collar. It was hard keeping my eyes off her. I mean, I barely had memories of my past; much less sorting out who I was even attracted to. To be honest, since being resurrected I hadn't the time to even explore those options.

Appearing to be sizing me up for something from head to toe, the Patriarch paused then offered, "Would you like something to drink guardian?"

"No thank you."

In an instant she snapped her fingers and a young awoken girl appeared out of now where with a single goblet on a shiny bronze tray. I did not hear a door open; had she been there all this time? I attempted to be coy. "Really, I'm not thirsty."

As if I had said nothing, the Patriarch handed me the glass from the tray. Inside the crystal flute was a neon blue substance. Trying to focus on anything but her captivating beauty, I turned my attention to the young servant. She was not dressed like a warrior and her attire was certainly not anything close to the Patriarch's. It was a simple cloth that covered her more discreetly. The whispy white material covered both the front and back of the girl leaving only a modest neckline and her arms exposed.

At first, it was a relief to watch her as she poured the other woman a drink from a separate wine decanter. She looked to me to be about 17 or so; judging by her physique alone. She had not quite filled out to be a woman yet, but wasn't far behind. I tried not to stare – the last thing I wanted is to be called a pedophile up here.

Feeling the eyes of the Patriarch bore down on me, I nervously took a sip of the blue liquid. Satisfied I had finally taken my first sip, the provocative woman dismissed the girl. "You can go now Lucinda".

"As you wish Patriarch."

A few awkward moments passed before the silence got to me. "Hello?" The incredibly attractive Awoken said nothing in return. Her electric blue eyes scanned me up and down. I kept thinking; is she inspecting me for something? From the way the Patriarch was circling me I was feeling less like a guest and more like a piece of meat going to market.

Breaking the silence once more, my voice took on a new feminine tone all its own, as I politely stated, "I have come to respect your Queen's Emissary, Petra Venj." There was no response from the woman, who barely acknowledged I was in the same room. "She has also earned the respect of my fellow guardians."

Nothing.

Taking a daring step forward, I spoke a little louder and more confident but based on the appearance of the Patriarch, it was hard to maintain a professional demeanor. "I don't know a single guardian who wouldn't gladly follow her into battle. She is a worthy ally."

"Do you want to … how do you earthlings say it... Fuck her?"