Shadow of Allegiance

Chapter 4

König
"There is nothing in the world I regret more in this moment."

I put on my mask again, the familiar shield that concealed both my features and the emotions that threatened to surface. What if she found me unsightly? The thought lingered, a persistent whisper that fueled the anxiety that churned within. As our eyes met across the camp, I couldn't help but seek a reassuring look, a sign that the revelation hadn't tainted the perception she held of me.

As I walked through the camp, the weight of my decision pressed upon me like an invisible burden. The cool night air did little to alleviate the deep-seated anxiety that now gnawed at the edges of my composure. I had shown her my face – a vulnerability that I, Colonel König, had never intended to reveal.

After Skye left the tent, I tried to play it cool, adopting a nonchalant demeanor as I rejoined the recruits around the fire. The night had grown late, and the campfire cast flickering shadows across the faces of the recruits. I couldn't shake the sense of vulnerability that lingered after showing Skye my face, and the anxiety manifested in subtle fidgeting, an attempt to divert attention from the internal turmoil.

"Recruits, any injuries?" I asked, my gaze scanning the faces before me. The physical toll of the night's events seemed secondary to the nagging worry about Skye's reaction. I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency, a need to ensure that everything was still within the expected bounds.

My eyes searched for her amidst the recruits, and a subtle panic set in when I didn't immediately spot her. Was she avoiding me? The uncertainty pricked at my composure, but I couldn't let it show. Maintaining the facade of authority, I continued my inquiries, suppressing the subtle anxiety that threatened to surface.

Skye
Skye, flushed with embarrassment, couldn't rid her mind of the image of Colonel König's unmasked face. The realization that she might be developing feelings for her commanding officer added a layer of complexity to the situation. It had only been a week since that night, and she scolded herself for allowing such thoughts to take root.

In her inner dialogue, Skye grappled with the absurdity of falling for someone in such a position of authority. I mean it's her Colonel. The rational part of her brain fervently protested, reminding her of the impropriety and potential consequences of harboring such feelings. Yet, the undeniable attraction persisted, a magnetic force that defied reason and left her in a state of internal conflict.

As Skye contemplated her predicament, Sarah, the friend who had encouraged her to visit Colonel König's tent, approached tentatively. The exchanged look between Skye and Sarah took on a silent moment, unfolding against the backdrop of the weary recruits around the campfire. Sarah, sensing Skye's internal turmoil, attempted to gauge her friend's feelings while injecting the conversation with humor and insights into the unusual situation.
"I saw his face" Skye mumbles to Sarah. They both stay silent as Skye covers her mouth, Sarah jaw lay's open, her eyes wide open.

Sarah than grins like a cat "So, Skye, how was the view without the mask? Did he sweep you off your feet?" Skye, still flustered, rolled her eyes at Sarah's teasing but couldn't help a small, embarrassed smile.

Skye muttering speaks "It's not like that. I just wanted to make sure he was okay after the... incident."

Sarah raises an eyebrow ""Incident"? Is that what we're calling it now? You know, he did look kind of handsome without the mask." She gives her an side eye, "did he?" She is waiting for Skye to reassure that she's right.

Skye's cheeks flushed even more, and she shot a playful glare at Sarah. "Sarah, stop! This is serious. I can't be developing feelings for my colonel."

Sarah mocks her gasping "Oh, the scandal! Love blooming in the military ranks. What would the higher-ups say?"
Skye stays silent. Sarah decides to not take her seriously. She smirks "You know, Skye, it's not every day that you get a private showing of the colonel's unmasked face. Maybe it's fate nudging you two together."