I collapsed under an oak tree. My back resting on its trunk and arms folded behind my head. In a daze, I looked upward at the sky. The wind swept through my tousled hair causing it to fly every way. A cool breeze cooled my heated skin.
Ian had just left to arrange the meeting with Gard's higher-ups and it was midday already.
I closed my eyes tiredly. A sigh escaped my lips. I was so tired. Too much had occurred today. I slightly fell asleep.
What seemed like moments passed by, and I heard the rustling of leaves and soft footsteps. The movement caused me to flutter my eyes open. I raised myself slightly and glanced up.
A familiar face came to view. Conrad. His eyes startled me. The perfect shade of green and blue. They were mesmerizing. I blinked owlishly, trying to understand if I'm seeing things or not.
He chuckled before speaking, "Am I disturbing you?"
"What?" I breathed out in surprise. I blinked again and rubbed my sleepy eyes. "Of course not,"
Today, his brown hair was slightly ruffled but not dishevelled. The wind blew lightly making his strands dance along. He was wearing a black trouser and a grey shirt. The sleeves of his shirt rolled up revealing long slender fingers and the muscles on his arms flexing ever so often.
"What are you doing here?" I asked curiously.
I wasn't going to fall for it. He was here for something else.
"You have already apologized," I reminded him.
Conrad however handles it a different way. He smiled politely and gently. His eyes filled with gratitude and sincerity. I was beginning to see that Conrad was quite sincere when he speaks to others and I wondered if it was just a facade or a mask of sorts. Or maybe it's both.
I almost felt drawn to him. Like I shared something with him. I know, it seemed ridiculous.
I blinked once again trying to regain control of my thoughts. I'm becoming delusional. "Do you want something?"
Conrad chuckled before looking off into the distance. "Not really. I just wanted to see you."
I frowned confused by his confession. It was also uneasy. For some reason, it didn't feel quite right. Something wasn't adding up. I turned away from him to look back at the city behind us. The sun's rays filtered through the trees creating colourful patches upon the forest floor. The city noise disappeared into the background. There were only faint sounds of birdsong. A pleasant calmness overtook the scene causing me to relax again.
After a minute passed, Conrad took my silence as an invitation to continue. "Do you like Soreen?"
I turned around to him to give him an indignant look. "Why did you ask a question like that?"
He gave a half smile to show that he understood my reaction. "Just curious,"
"It's nice," I confessed with a shrug. "I used to be interested in travelling. Before an incident, that is. But everything became too hectic when I arrived at Ethelar. I haven't even stepped foot outside of it since then." I explained.
I stared down at my feet as if they held all the answers. I knew Conrad was watching me, waiting for me to continue. However, I remained silent.
Conrad looked upward. He looked deep in thought. His eyes were shining brightly as if they were reflecting the golden sunlight. He came and sat next to me. I shifted a little further from him.
Suddenly he began to speak again. "If you are not opposed, I'd like to take you somewhere else in Soreen."
I froze. Did I hear him correctly? That proposal was very strange and unexpected. My suspicion was confirmed. I could even read it on his face. It seemed he had feelings for me.
I shifted uncomfortably, not sure if I should accept his offer. After all, it was highly inappropriate for him to be interested in a stranger. Let alone, a male. However, curiosity won over me. I felt intrigued to know his next move on the situation between us. I didn't want to play with his feelings but I wanted to know if he can make me fall for him. It was better than spying on people every day. Besides, I need a lover. So I agreed without another second thought. But in the process, I should soon tell him how I felt.
Conrad's eyes twinkled with delight. Like what I said meant the world to him. I felt a spark of guilt arise in me all of a sudden.
"Thank you, it's a great honour, Haviliard," Conrad told me warmly, taking my hands in his and pressing his soft kiss upon them.
I stood still while my mind raced. Was he trying to prove himself by making a gesture of affection toward me? Besides that, I never gave him my name. Only a few others in Gard know, and some bars around the city. I keep a low profile in the actions I make. Yet someone, some stranger even I don't know, knows my name.
I watched as Conrad stood up and ruffled the dirt from his trousers. He looked down at me, giving me a smile of joy before he went. I watched him walk away. He spared a glance at me over his shoulder. All I did was stare. My mind raised just how much did Conrad know about me. I calmed down, and return to my relaxed spot. I'll consider the conservation we had was nothing more than just an exchange of words. I'm not certain that anything is happening between us. As for now...