The Sympathizer

Chapter 37

Lucian contacts me through the pocket sized communicator he gave me previously. Even as I slip out of my house, I know I'm being watched. It's going to be hard to escape Lazarus's and my father's scrutiny after tonight so I don't bother hiding. 

One of our drivers take me to Lucian's house and I notice there are a few other official gliders parked by the driveway. 

I notice Cyscus - Lucian's faithful attendant - waiting by the entrance. He greets me politely whilst I shrug out of my coat and hand it to him. 

"I thought this was a casual meeting?" I ask him surreptitiously and catch him looking past my shoulders at the gate. I resist the urge to turn around, knowing full well that I've been followed. 

I walk through the mandatory scanners that adorn Lucian's doors, an intricate system of spyware used to detect bugs. The two beeps signal that I'm in the clear once I pass the threshold. 

"All clean," Cyscus says. "Although we did catch sight of a drone by your glider."

It must be Lazarus's. Bold of him to plant one on my ride.

"Would you get rid of it for me?" I ask Cyscus sweetly and he blushes. 

"Consider it done. The guests are down that way." He points to the corridor at the far left. 

Chatter echoes from down the hallway. I recognise the path to Lucian's training rooms. The metal door slides open to reveal Lucian, his father General Mondric and General Aldric, all sweaty and red faced from exertion. 

"Luna!" Lucian's face lights up the moment he sees me and the two generals turn my way. 

A quick sweep of Lucian's training centre tells me we're the only ones here. I wonder what's the occasion. 

I skip down the metal stairs, hearing them creak under the pressure. Lucian should really get these redone. The centre is divided into numerous segments, there's the simulation rooms, the gym room and the training ring. All three Plutonians are gathered there, the Generals leaning against the rope barriers casually while they watch me.

"Get up here and let's go a round." Lazarus's father challenges me. 

Not what I had in mind but the thought of a sparring session after the day I've had sounds rather appealing. 

"Pleasant day, Generals." I climb up onto the bouncy surface that makes up the floor of the sparring ring and lift the heavy rope over my head. "Lucian."

Lucian nods my way, grinning cheekily. "It's certainly pleasant now." 

His father hits him playfully by the arm but Lucian flinches instinctively. If General Mondric notices this, he doesn't show. 

The moment grows awkward between us and I choose this time to turn my attention to General Aldric, my soon to be father in law if my marriage to Lazarus ever happens. Right now, the chances are growing slimmer by the minute. 

Though, the ring still weighs heavy on my finger, a silent reminder of whom I belong to. 

"Would you like to change attire?" General Aldric asks me and I shake my head. 

"I'm good." I smile and he returns it, his grin so deceptively charming, it's obvious where Lazarus gets it from. 

We both get into our defensive stances, forearms up to protect our faces, legs spread a hip's width apart for more stability. I hop on my feet, trying to gain some momentum when the general comes charging at me. 

Lucian and his father watch on as I swerve, avoiding a jab that would have immobilised my upper body. I move quickly, so quick that the general is panting after what feels like a few minutes.