White Shimmer

2] Polished Boots

Wow. This marble was tough. I mean - it was really tough. I wipe over it with my polishing rag trying to remove a stain that won't budge. It's taking all my damn effort.

"Argh, you unwanted shit stain!" I growl to myself as my arm gets sore trying to erase the god awful burn mark. Who knows how it stained the wall in the first place.

I'm squatting on a decorative pillar, staring at my reflection through the white shimmer of the marble. I had red cheeks, beads of sweat drooling through my hair and my lips were cracked.

I was so damn thirsty. 

But I couldn't get a damn drink.

The good news is I've successfully evaded suspicion while signing in through the gates to do the job I've been requested to do; polishing this darn stone. 

The bad news?

My nearest water source is in the courtyard to the right of me. I'm on a path towards such a place. Behind me, is a garden of moist wet green grass, a perfectly aligned paving of diamond shaped tiles and a tiny balcony behind that overlooking the city which drops off down a small cliff. Down the diamond path, is the courtyard, which is small and luxurious.

It's not the only one in the whole paradox palace, no way. This one was for one Protector only. Who, I wasn't sure.

All I knew was there were six Protectors right now, surrounding the water source of a pretty water fountain. 

Peasants were only allowed to drink from the fountains - no where else. I couldn't wander off duty, so I was waiting for the damn six Protectors to leave.

Did I mention they're all men?

I just wait patiently while I hammer into this stain.

I let out a shaky breath as the midday sun wracks havoc on my exposed neck. I had a short bob for a hair cut to look more masculine. I didn't want to be seen as feminine. Like a tom boy, I wanted less attention from males. I just wanted to pursue anything but romance. 

I had always wandered about a partner for years when I had crushes growing up and what not ... that all changed, though, when I was kidnapped solely for that of selfish men's desires.

After that I just wanted to be single - forever.

"You will be removed," I whisper to the stain, while glaring into my own eyes through the reflection, "Don't be a wimp, Seri, keep polishing!" I fold the cloth, punch it to the marble and try once again.

After aching my arms to no end, I stop, gasping in breaths as I finally stop squatting on the raised pillar. Instead, I sit my butt down and gaze into the surroundings with the marble reflection so I don't have to turn my head.

I let out a sigh as I hear foot falls. At first I see a pair of boots, polished and black through the reflection. They waltz by behind me and I internally cringe. Argh. Another Protector. I can tell from the large shadow that falls over me briefly as he passes. He's too tall to be anyone else.

I wait patiently for him to pass.

Until he halts.

With a friend.

Directly behind me.

I suck in a breath and start to polish again, pretending the two men are not bothering me.

"Sol, can you prepare the others for the extraction? I'll be there shortly," I hear one tough order given to some kind of butler. I see in the reflection the older man nods and pops off like an obedient little puppy.