The cost of Infinity

Chap 14. Tempting, Very Tempting

I wrap my hand around Nikos's arm as we walk together down the hallway. People step to the side and bow as I pass them. I return their respect with a smile and a slight nod of acknowledgment. "Look at you; you're a natural," Niko coos. This is the closest I've ever been to being royalty, and I can tell you I no longer envy King William or Prince Harry. Why do they bow for me? I'm not a Commander like Sin. I'm not anyone worthy of being bowed down to. There's that word again, Worthy.

Niko leans in closer to me. "If this all goes according to plan, yes, your people will be breeding slaves, but you, you will forever be seen as our savior. This is your life now. The quicker you adjust, the easier this transition will be." I'm sorry, whose side are you on again? Because right now you sound like them" "Who are you referring to infinity?" he questions me as if he doesn't know who I'm talking about, and it stokes the fire in me that I've been trying to dim down since last night.

I let go of his arm and square off with him in the middle of the hallway. EVERYONE HERE, NIKO, EVERYONE WHO FINDS IT PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE TO BEHAVE THIS WAY AND TREAT PEOPLE LIKE THEY'RE ONLY WORTHY OF BEING BREEDING MULES. THAT'S WHO I'M REFERRING TO. IS THAT YOU?! He grabs me by my arm and yanks me into a room. "I'm on your side, Infinity, Always. But for now, you must play the part for the sake of your people."

He knows by the look on my face that I doubt him, so he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a piece of folded-up paper. It's my list of demands I wrote last night. What, how did you get this? "I snuck in last night while the two of you were sleeping to see what you had written on the paper." I cut him off, but how? How did you know I was writing anything? "you're still being monitored, and it was my shift. I saw you writing the note and came to see if it was something I needed to destroy before my shift was over."

So what were you planning to do with it? "I presented your demands to my superiors on your behalf before they could find out that you and the Commander... solidified your commitment to the experiment." He grabs my hands, "They agreed to all of them; everything you asked for, you're getting. I was going to wait to tell you later today when I knew we would have some privacy." I squealed and jumped at him to hug him, but the three hard knocks on the door scared me, and I almost tripped over my own feet.

When Niko opens the door, I see the goon squad, and they bow before me. Please excuse the intrusion, ma'am. The Commander sent us to escort you to her office. I turn to Niko, but he motions for me to go. "I'll catch up with you in a bit and remember" he makes a motion of his hand, lifting his chin. This time I understand the assignment. I raise my chin, interlace my fingers and hold my hands just above my belly button. I saw a princess do this in a movie once, and it seems fitting for this situation. I smile and nod at everyone I pass until I notice a stranger in the shadows who doesn't attempt to acknowledge me, let alone show me respect. I stop walking "who is that?" I point, but the goons urge me to keep moving. You can't keep the Commander waiting, I guess.

When I walk into her office, I stand frozen in place, speechless. It's decorated in dark wood and gold trimming; the furniture is sleek with hard and soft angles, it suites her very well. That's when I notice her sitting behind the desk. Staring at me, her once warm and nurturing amber eyes have turned gray and cold again. I swallow my spit so hard I hear it.

"Please sit," She motions toward a chair in front of her desk. I cross my legs at the ankle as I sit down; and pull my shoulders back to correct my terrible posture and seem more confident. "You look stunning," she says through hungry eyes. No wonder you are creating such a fuss in the halls. I slouch and look down at my dress; I start picking at some pretend lint. You heard about that, huh? "I hear everything, my love; it's my ship, remember?" shes has this cocky grin that would make anyone want to smack her or fuck her. Right now, I'm 50/50 on that decision.