Chapter 210: Kamira The 2nd Knight
In the brightly lit pool room, Malik and Kiyomi found themselves enjoying a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of the fortress. Malik, submerged in the cool water, let the chill seep into his skin, easing his tension. His dark skin glistened as he swam leisurely, savoring the solitude. Kiyomi, clad in a sleek one-piece bathing suit that accentuated her strong, athletic build, lay reclined on a pool chair nearby. Her long silver hair cascaded down her shoulders, and she rested her hand on her Tempest Blade, keeping it within arm's reach even in moments of relaxation.
The serene atmosphere, however, was interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps. Malik glanced up, surprised, to see Kamira entering the pool area, wearing a bustier swim top swimsuit that made her look both elegant and bold. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back, and her reddish eyes sparkled mischievously as she caught Malik's gaze. Malik's eyes widened as he took in her striking appearance, and Kamira clearly enjoyed the attention, her lips curving into a smirk.
Kiyomi, watching from her chair, rolled her eyes at Kamira's blatant attempt to capture Malik's interest. She didn't trust Kamira's motives, and it showed in the guarded expression on her face. Kamira ignored Kiyomi, focusing solely on Malik as she dipped into the pool with an elegant dive. Malik greeted her with a playful grin.
"I didn't expect company," he said, treading water. "I thought you'd be off with Haido, busy with all those… grand plans."
Kamira laughed, her voice smooth and teasing. "Oh, I made time just for you, Malik. We're going on an important mission together, after all. I thought it might be good to spend a little quality time with my new partner."
"Well, I can't say I'm disappointed," Malik replied with a flirtatious grin. "You make quite an impression."
Kamira raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter. "And here I thought I was supposed to be the charmer. Tell me, Malik, how are you finding life in Haido's fortress?"
Malik shrugged, his eyes twinkling. "Oh, it has its moments. The architecture is grand, the view is… interesting, and the company is rather exceptional." He winked, making Kamira chuckle softly.
Kamira leaned back in the water, crossing her arms with a playful smile. "You're not just here for the scenery, though, are you? There must be something more you're after."
Malik tilted his head thoughtfully. "Maybe I am. But enough about me. I'm curious—how do you enjoy it here?"
The question seemed to catch Kamira off guard, if only briefly. She looked at Malik, her amusement fading into something more contemplative. "It has its perks," she admitted, choosing her words carefully. "Power, respect, a purpose greater than oneself… That's all I've ever wanted."
"And yet, you seem to have a spark for… fun, too," Malik observed. "Life isn't all about conquest, is it?"
Kamira laughed again, a bit more sincerely this time. "Conquest is thrilling. But every warrior needs a distraction now and then." She reached out, playfully flicking water at him.
They spent the next several minutes playing pool games, splashing each other and laughing like old friends rather than future mission partners. They talked about everything from the unusual architecture of Haido's fortress to their favorite foods. Malik was open and engaging, asking her about her travels and her experiences, listening with genuine interest that made her feel seen. Kamira, who was accustomed to using charm as a weapon, found herself unexpectedly charmed by Malik.
After a while, Kamira pushed her wet hair back and said, "Maybe I'll give you a tour of the place sometime. Starting with my room."
Malik chuckled, bowing slightly in the water. "I'd be honored. How about we meet for dinner in an hour? I'll cook, and afterward, you can show me around."
Kamira considered it, a glint in her eye. "Make it two hours. And I hope you're as good a chef as you were last time, handsome." She extended her hand, and Malik took it, bringing it to his lips for a kiss.
Kamira gave him a lingering look, her smirk returning before she turned to leave. Kiyomi, who had been watching the entire exchange with a mix of mild annoyance and curiosity, grunted as Kamira left the pool room.
When the door closed, she looked at Malik, her expression unimpressed. "I still don't like this," she muttered, arms crossed over her chest.
Malik grinned and walked over to her, reaching out to grab her hands. Before she could protest, he pulled her into the pool, causing a small splash as she landed beside him.
She gasped, momentarily taken aback, then glared at him, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Malik, you…!"
"Oh, come on," he teased, pulling her closer as they floated together in the cool water. "A little trust exercise, Kiyomi. She's part of our mission, and if we're going to succeed, we have to play the game."
Kiyomi sighed, relaxing slightly as she leaned against him. "I trust you. It's them I don't trust."
"And that's why I have you by my side," he replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "Now, how about we enjoy the rest of our swim before I go work my magic in the kitchen?"
She chuckled, resting her head on his shoulder. "Fine. But don't expect me to make nice with Kamira any time soon."
Malik laughed, pulling her even closer as they floated in the pool, both of them momentarily forgetting the dangerous game they were playing in Haido's fortress.
The candlelight flickered gently over the small, intimate table that Malik had set up in the kitchen. He had waited, keeping the food perfectly warm with his magic, but Kamira was now over ten minutes late. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself, mumbling, "A chubby guy like me getting stood up? I never thought I'd see the day."
Just then, the door to the dining hall opened, and Kamira appeared, adjusting the hem of her dress as she entered. Her dress was a snug fit, its fabric clinging tightly to her toned form, stretching over her muscular arms and pressing against her large bosom. Malik noticed how she tugged at the top, and he realized that it must've been a long time since she'd last worn it.
He immediately rose to pull her chair out. "Kamira, you look stunning. Though I have to say, that dress seems a bit… snug."
Kamira rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself. "It's been ages since I wore anything but armor. I forgot I even had this dress, and by the time I found it and squeezed into it, I was running late. If I'd known it would take this long, I'd have just come in my armor."
Malik grinned, taking his seat across from her. "You could wear anything, and you'd still be breathtaking."
Kamira glanced at the spread of food, noting several dishes she had casually mentioned at the pool earlier. Without saying a word, she gave him an approving nod. As they started eating, Kamira struggled to maintain her composure. Malik's cooking was extraordinary, each bite a perfect blend of flavors.
Noticing Malik eating sparingly, she raised an eyebrow. "Why aren't you eating?"
Malik leaned back with a charming smile. "Watching you enjoy the food is enough for me."
Kamira rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. They continued eating in companionable silence until Malik decided to break the ice with a few questions.
"So," Malik began, "I'm curious. Are Fugai and Ranke more like friends, coworkers, or allies to you?"
Kamira seemed taken aback by the question but considered her answer carefully. "I suppose they're somewhere between coworkers and allies. We're close because we work together, but it's not the same as friendship. Loyalty to Haido binds us, but friendship? I'm not sure."
Malik nodded thoughtfully. "And… have you ever had a significant other?"
Kamira raised an eyebrow. "Why would you want to know that?" But she answered anyway. "No. I've never been one for… attachments."
"Do you believe in love?" Malik pressed, his tone genuinely curious.
Kamira's face softened, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "I suppose, in theory. Love is… unpredictable, something I'm not exactly used to."
"And what about soulmates?" Malik leaned in slightly, watching her reactions. "Do you believe in those?"
She hesitated, looking away as she thought. "Maybe. I mean, I've never seen it or felt it, but who's to say it doesn't exist?"
They continued to talk, Malik gently steering the conversation into more personal territory. He asked about her dreams, her thoughts on relationships, and what she thought true love looked like. At each question, Kamira found herself answering more honestly than she had anticipated, her defenses lowering as the evening went on.
Finally, Kamira leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Why are you so interested in getting to know me?"
Malik reached across the table, taking her hands gently in his. "Because I want to know the real Kamira—the person behind Haido's Knight."
Her blush deepened as she looked down at their entwined hands. They sat like that, the warmth of his hands comforting her in a way she hadn't felt before. The dinner stretched on, both of them lost in easy conversation and laughter. After savoring the last of the sweet cakes Malik had prepared for dessert, Kamira finally remembered her promise to show him around the fortress.
"Alright, I suppose it's time for your tour," she said, standing and smoothing her dress. "Let's start with my quarters."
Malik stood as well, offering her his arm with a wink. She rolled her eyes, chuckling, and led him out of the kitchen.
They walked through the winding hallways, passing the imposing marble and steel décor of the fortress. Eventually, they stopped at a door at the end of one hallway. Kamira turned to face him, her expression somewhat softened but still guarded.
"This is it," she said, pushing open the door.
Inside, the room was unexpectedly cozy, a contrast to the cold, impersonal corridors of Haido's fortress. Her armor stood on a stand in one corner, polished and gleaming, and a few personal items adorned the shelves—a small, worn book, a dagger with a unique hilt, and a few other trinkets that hinted at a softer side to the fierce knight.
Kamira hesitated, glancing around her quarters as if seeing them through his eyes for the first time. "It's nothing special."
Malik shook his head, taking in the small details that gave her room personality. "I think it's perfect. Just like its owner."
Kamira blushed again, trying to hide it by busying herself with arranging a stray item on her shelf. "You have quite the silver tongue, Malik."
He chuckled, walking further into the room, still charmed by her reaction. "Only for the people who deserve it."
They stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Kamira shifted, looking away, clearly uncomfortable with the unfamiliar emotions stirring inside her. Malik closed the distance between them, his gaze soft yet intense.
"Kamira," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I meant every word I said tonight. I do want to know the real you. Not as Haido's knight but as… Kamira."
Her eyes met his, and for a moment, her usual guarded expression faltered. She took a deep breath, finally letting herself smile in a way that reached her eyes.
The soft glow of a single lamp illuminated Kamira's room, casting warm shadows that danced across the ornate furnishings. Malik sat comfortably on the edge of her bed, glancing around with curiosity as he took in the understated elegance of the room. Kamira sat beside him, her posture both relaxed and tense, as if she hadn't yet decided whether to let her guard down or remain the polished knight she was.
Malik turned to her with a genuine smile. "So, Kamira, tell me about yourself. What was your home like, back where you're from?"
Kamira brushed a strand of her long blonde hair behind her ear, her reddish eyes reflecting a flicker of nostalgia. "My home..." She paused, her voice quiet as if hesitant to reveal too much. "It was cold. But... beautiful, in a harsh way. There were towering mountains, covered in snow year-round, and forests so dense you could get lost if you didn't know the paths. It's... nothing like this place. It feels strange even talking about it." She shrugged, as if trying to dismiss the sentimentality creeping into her tone.
Kamira looked at him, surprised by the sudden interest in her past. For a moment, she hesitated, her eyes flickering with memories she usually kept buried. "It was... a hard place," she admitted, her voice low. "Life there was about survival. My family, they were strong, proud people. They did what they had to, but they weren't rich or noble. When Lord Haido offered me a place with him, it was a chance for something more."
She nodded to herself, but there was a spark of something else in her eyes—a glint of fierce loyalty that came alive when she spoke of Haido. "Lord Haido found me when I had nothing. He gave me purpose, a family, even if it's... not quite traditional. He has big plans, and I believe in his vision. At least, most of the time."
Malik's lips curled into a cheeky grin. "One last question, then. Have you ever been kissed before?"
Kamira's eyes widened for a moment, then she laughed, a sound that was half-amusement, half-surprise. "You think a woman like me hasn't been kissed?" She rolled her eyes but didn't back away as she scooted closer. "Let's just say... I've had my fair share of distractions."
She paused, her hand absentmindedly smoothing out her tight dress, adjusting it where it clung uncomfortably against her. Malik noticed and leaned forward, his eyes kind.
"You know, Kamira, if this dress is uncomfortable, I could always leave and give you a moment to change into something more comfortable," he offered, his voice gentle. She shook her head with a smirk.
"Nah, I sleep naked anyway," she replied with a grin, watching his reaction. Malik's face lit up with an amused smile, but he stayed respectful, just raising an eyebrow in playful acknowledgment.
Malik's eyebrow arched, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, good to know." He leaned back, as if unfazed, though his eyes sparkled with amusement.
Kamira sighed, her gaze drifting toward the wall, a wistful expression crossing her face. "Working for Lord Haido doesn't leave much room for luxuries or personal time. Training and duties fill most of my days, and clothing... well, the uniform is all that really matters." She shrugged, attempting nonchalance, though Malik sensed a hint of longing in her voice.
Kamira continued, her tone turning softer, almost reflective. She sighed, her voice carrying a hint of bitterness. "The only reason I had that swimsuit was because I... 'found' it." She smirked, a hint of mischief in her expression.
Malik leaned forward, curious. "Found it, huh? Now I really want to know that story."
Kamira waved him off, but her smile lingered. "Trust me, you don't." She leaned back, crossing her arms with a smirk. "But it's not like I have time to go shopping for things like this."
"Well," he said thoughtfully, "if we ever get a chance, I'd be happy to take you shopping. You, Fugai, and Ranke. I think you'd all enjoy a day off for once, and besides," he added with a wink, "you could use something a little more comfortable."
Kamira laughed, a genuine, melodic sound that echoed softly through the room. "You're a strange one, Malik. Lord Haido would never allow something like that. But... if it ever happened," she mused, "I think Ranke might go along, though she'd act like she was doing me a favor by tagging along. And Fugai..." She trailed off, smiling wryly. "Fugai doesn't care for such things. She's not the type to enjoy frivolities."
Their conversation drifted into a comfortable silence, the room filled with a soft tension that was both calming and electric. Kamira moved closer, her gaze locking onto Malik's. "You know," she murmured, her voice husky, "I'm tired of talking."
Before Malik could respond, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a bold, heated kiss. The warmth of her touch sent a jolt of energy through him, and for a moment, he allowed himself to melt into it, savoring the sensation. Kamira, emboldened, leaned in closer, her hand reaching to draw him in further.
But just as she deepened the kiss, Malik gently slipped out of her grasp, leaving her slightly stunned as he placed a cookie in her mouth. She blinked in surprise as he gave her a mischievous grin, backing away toward the door.
"Kamira," he said with a playful smirk, "I try my best to be a good boy on the first date."
He turned and left the room, leaving her with the faint taste of sweetness and a touch of confusion. Kamira chewed the cookie thoughtfully, her pout returning as she realized he'd slipped away before she could fully reel him in.
"Oh, come on, Malik!" she called out, her voice carrying through the door. "I didn't want you to be a good boy! You don't know what you're missing!" She huffed, frustration mingling with an amused admiration for his charm and restraint. A smirk crossed her lips as she thought of her failed attempt to seduce him.
"Well, Malik," she murmured to herself, "you're more interesting than I thought. I may have messed up Haido's plan to get close to you, but this isn't over." She stretched out on her bed, her mind already whirling with ideas for their next encounter, her competitive spirit ignited by the game Malik had unknowingly started.
For the first time in years, Kamira felt a genuine sense of excitement that went beyond duty or ambition—a feeling that left her wondering just how much Malik was getting under her skin.