Beneath the Armor: An Elven Desire

Chapter 11

Drake pushed open the heavy oak door and stepped into the dimly lit hallway of the manor. The rich, dark wood and ornate carvings of the walls spoke of old wealth and power, but tonight the grandiosity felt oppressive rather than impressive. He adjusted his cloak, shaking off the chill that clung to him from the evening air.

As he approached Chester's office, the muffled sounds of Chester's voice grew louder. The man's frustration was palpable even through the thick wooden door. "Can you believe the king sent his men to deliver both his new recruitment orders and a parchment? Does he think I am incapable of handling my own affairs?" Chester ranted, his voice dripping with indignation.
Drake smirked at the vehemence in Chester's voice. It was precisely this kind of brash, self-important attitude that had prompted King Riland to dispatch him. Alliances in times of war were as unpredictable as the shifting tides, and Chester, along with his wife Katrina, had a reputation for being opportunistic. Drake had observed their behavior closely during his stay and his instincts told him they were far from trustworthy.
He knocked firmly on the solid oak door, the sound echoing through the corridor. The din from within ceased abruptly. A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing a slight, elven woman standing in the threshold. She wore a revealing, silk robe that clung to her skeletal frame. Her skin was pallid, almost translucent, and her dark brown eyes held a sickly gleam that made Drake's stomach churn. He could hardly suppress his distaste; she was nothing like his Fay. His thoughts darkened momentarily before he pushed them away.
Chester's forced smile did little to hide his irritation. "Commander Drake! What an unexpected pleasure. I had assumed you would be spending your evening in the pleasure houses or the local taverns." His laughter was hollow, an attempt to mask his unease.

Drake's lips tightened into a thin line. "I'm here on urgent business. We're departing for the eastern borders at dawn. I've also come to discuss the matter of the elf and his punishment with your wife."
Chester's pretence of warmth dissipated instantly. His face hardened, and he stared at Drake with a mixture of irritation and resignation. "Katrina has developed a peculiar fondness for the elf. But I won't be involved in this matter. She's in the west wing, but I must warn you, her temper is as fiery as ever."
Drake's gaze was unwavering. "Death is the penalty for attacking a royal soldier. Fondness aside, the law is the law." He turned on his heel, leaving Chester's office without another word.

A male servant, dressed in a simple yet elegant livery, guided Drake through the manor's labyrinthine corridors. The grandeur of the manor's design seemed almost mocking against the backdrop of the tension in the air. As they approached the west wing, the sounds of groans and muffled cries grew louder and more disturbing. Each step Drake took felt heavier with the anticipation of what lay behind the golden door.
The servant bowed deeply and retreated, leaving Drake alone. He took a deep breath and approached the door, its gilded surface reflecting the dim light of the hallway. As he grasped the handle, he steeled himself for the confrontation ahead. Drake pushed the heavy door open, the creak echoing in the dimly lit chamber. His heart raced as he took in the scene before him-a tableau of temptation and defiance. Katrina reclined on a lavish bed, the rich fabric of her gown pooled around her, its delicate lace contrasting starkly with the raw energy in the air. Leaf, sprawled before her, was completely exposed, glistening with sweat, his breath heavy with the remnants of a passionate encounter.

Katrina's eyes shot open at the sound of the door, locking onto Drake's with a mix of surprise and challenge. He stood at the threshold, a sentinel of the law, his jaw set and his gaze steely.

With a swift motion, Katrina yanked Leaf's hair, pulling him closer, her laughter ringing out like a siren's call. "Come to join in on the punishment, have we?" she teased, a seductive smirk curling her lips as she pushed Leaf back onto the bed, her power palpable.