"Hey! Watch it!"
I quickly turned my head as I start to hear commotion. Catching glimpse of an inmate being shoved. I noticed two of the most aggressive inmates now standing close to each other. Having a feeling this wouldn't turn out too well, I turn my body to prepare for anything. Watching out the serving window of the kitchen.
"You're telling me to watch out?! Maybe if your feet weren't so big you wouldn't run into everyone! Clown foot!"
The inmate that was shoved pushes the other inmate back. I could see the anger start building in both their eyes. A crowd started to build rapidly around them, as if any inconvenience like this was the best entertainment in the Fortress. The voices of the crowd started to get louder as the footsteps against the metal flooring grew louder, sounding like a stampede. I quickly set my mixing spoon down, running out of the kitchen in hopes to stop the fight
"Guys, come on-"
I shouted, suddenly feeling an arm reach out and stop me. Holding my shoulder gently as the person stopped me in my tracks. The sound of heavy footsteps growing behind me. Hearing the familiar voice of the person who stopped me, the crowd silencing quickly. Even the aggressive inmates stopped their actions and bickering as they both glanced over at the man now standing next to me
"Come on men, you were all going on one month with no incidents. It's a shame to ruin it with such a trivial matter as this. Anyways, you have two choices, since I'm feeling a little nice today"
The man speaks with an authoritative tone. His familiar voice echoing through the entire floor of the Fortress, sending chills down my spine as the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I turn my head and look at the man next to me as he pauses in his speech. I could feel my eyes widening in surprise as I took a small step back. "The Duke?" I thought to myself, my breathing getting a little heavier. I had never seen him the whole time that I've been incarcerated in the Fortress.
"Either I deal with you both right now, or you settle this in the Pankration Ring."
The Duke says as he approaches the crowd. The crowd splitting like the seas as they let him through. My eyes glancing over him, handcuffs jiggling on his belt loop with each step. His jacket flowing behind him as a wind current was tying to carry it away. I slowly start to find myself staring at the Duke's back. My eyes shifting as they take in every piece of him, from the back of his head down to his shoes.
I found myself not wanting to look away from him. Even as he turned around and started walking back to me. "Wait, he's walking up to me? What happened? What do I do? What do I say?! Why's the crowd dispersing!?" I think to myself in a panicked state. I can feel my heartbeat pick up in my chest. The beating of my heart echoing in my ears. Feeling my face start to heat up as he got closer. The temperature around me feeling as if it had suddenly risen. I clasp my hands in front of me, feeling how moist my palms have become.
"Are you ok?"
I hear his voice. His voice sounds so soft compared to the authoritative tone from earlier. I tilt my head up to look at him. Finding my eyes locking with his. My face getting warmer as I glance away slightly. I open my mouth to speak, but I wasn't fast enough as I could hear his voice before mine.
"Hmm, your face is red. And you're sweating slightly. Maybe your experiencing some sort of cold? Sigewinne's office is close. I'll escort you"
I listen to his voice. Finding myself lost in his voice as I softly nod my head. I didn't even feel like I had any form of a sickness, but something about him made me want to be around him more. As I hear his footsteps start to recede, I feel my legs move on their own. Following him as I start to walk next to him. Just being in his presence causes butterflies in my stomach. Feeling them flutter rapidly as I try avoid looking back up at him. Knowing I'll get lost in those beautiful eyes.
