Chapter 20: The General
I've tucked my hands deep into the pockets of my jacket, seeking warmth against the encroaching chill. The fabric is soft and familiar against my skin, a comforting contrast to the nervous energy thrumming through my veins. It's been a couple of days since Mom promised to set up this date, and I still can't quite believe she's actually helping me in my romantic pursuits.
The campus is quieter than usual, the weekend lull allowing for a peaceful atmosphere that seems to hold its breath in anticipation. A few students mill about in the distance.
My eyes scan the paths leading to our meeting spot, heart quickening with each passing moment. And then, I see her.
General Sufri Nehrat approaches with the measured stride of a seasoned warrior, her presence commanding attention even from afar. Her steel-grey hair is pulled back in a precise military braid, not a single strand out of place. As she draws closer, I can see the sharp amber of her eyes, keen and observant, missing nothing as they take in her surroundings.
She's dressed in a way that perfectly balances her role as both an educator and a decorated general. Her crisp white shirt is partially hidden beneath a fitted blazer, the deep burgundy color complementing her dark skin. A single medal gleams on her chest, a silent testament to her valor and skill.
As General Sufri reaches me, she executes a perfect bow, her movements fluid and graceful despite her military bearing. "Your Highness," she intones, her voice rich and with a hint of an accent I can't quite place.
As she straightens, her amber eyes scan the area around us, a slight furrow appearing between her brows. "Where is Your Highness's guard?" she asks, genuine confusion coloring her tone.
I can't help but smile, feeling a strange mix of amusement and nervousness under her intense gaze. "I don't need one on campus," I reply, trying to inject a note of confidence into my voice.
A smirk tugs at the corner of Sufri's lips, transforming her stern features into something more playful. "Interesting," she says, the word rolling off her tongue like a purr.
I swallow hard, suddenly feeling very young and inexperienced in the face of her composed demeanor. "Is it alright if we drop the 'Your Highness' stuff?" I ask, my voice coming out a bit more hesitant than I'd like. "Just call me Elwin."
Her smirk grows wider, a glint of amusement dancing in her amber eyes. It's as if she's privy to some secret joke that I'm not quite in on yet. The expression softens her features, making her look younger and more approachable.
Gathering my courage, I hold out my hand, aiming for a casual handshake to break the ice. But Sufri has other ideas. In one smooth motion, she grasps my outstretched hand and pulls me close. The sudden movement catches me off guard, and I stumble slightly, my free hand instinctively coming to rest on her arm to steady myself.
As I regain my balance, Sufri's hand moves to the small of my back, guiding my arm around her waist with gentle but firm pressure. The warmth of her body radiates through the fabric of her blazer, a stark contrast to the cool autumn air. Her other hand comes to rest on my shoulder.
"Is this okay, Elwin?" Sufri asks, her voice low and teasing. Her amber eyes sparkle with mischief, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.
I look up at her, suddenly very conscious of our height difference. A light blush creeps up my neck, warming my cheeks. "Yeah," I manage to say, my voice coming out as little more than a whisper.
Sufri's brow furrows slightly, her amber eyes studying my face intently.
"Where would you like to go out to eat?" she asks, her voice breaking the spell that had fallen over us. Her thumb traces small circles on my back.
My mind goes blank, all thoughts of food flying out the window in the face of her proximity and the excitement thrumming through my veins. "Anywhere is fine."
Sufri rolls her eyes, but there's a fondness in the gesture that takes any sting out of it. "Guys never mean that when they say it."
My eyes bore into hers, a newfound determination blooming in my chest. "No, really," I insist, my voice stronger now, tinged with a sincerity that surprises even me. "Anywhere."
Sufri's amber eyes widen slightly, a flicker of surprise passing across her features. She studies me for a moment, her gaze searching as if trying to unravel some complex puzzle. Finally, she nods. "Alright."
As she begins to step back, her hand sliding from my waist, I feel a sudden pang of loss. Without thinking, I tighten my grip, pulling her closer.
Sufri freezes, her body tensing slightly in surprise. Her amber eyes lock onto mine. A soft, awkward chuckle escapes her lips.
"You really like being close, don't you?" There's a warmth in her tone that makes me feel bold, reckless even.
I nod. My fingers curl into the fabric of her blazer, holding on as if she might disappear if I let go.
"Is that a problem?" I manage to ask. I can feel the rapid beating of my heart, wondering if she can feel it too, pressed so close together as we are.
Sufri's expression softens. "I've never met a man that gets this clingy in public," she admits.
For a moment, doubt creeps in. Have I overstepped? Is this too much, too soon? But before I can spiral into worry, I force myself to meet her gaze once more. "Is that a problem?" I repeat, my voice steadier this time.
Sufri looks at me with sultry eyes, her amber gaze smoldering with an intensity that makes my breath catch in my throat. "No. It certainly isn't, honey."
The way she says 'honey' sends a shiver down my spine, the word dripping with promise and barely concealed desire. We seem to stop at random, the bustling world around us fading into a distant blur.
Her gaze flicks down to my lips for a fraction of a second before meeting my eyes again, a silent question hanging in the air between us. For a moment, I think she might kiss me right there in the middle of the street, propriety be damned.
Instead, she smiles, a slow, predatory curve of her lips that makes my heart race. "Let's try this place," she says, nodding towards a building I hadn't even noticed we were standing in front of.
I blink, momentarily disoriented by the sudden shift. "Sure."
As I take in our surroundings, I realize we're in front of an upscale steakhouse.
We walk in, the rich aroma of seared meat and exotic spices enveloping us as soon as we cross the threshold. The interior is all dark wood and soft lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere that seems to cocoon us from the outside world.
The staff's reaction is immediate. As soon as they spot Sufri, they bow deeply, respect evident in every line of their bodies. "Department Head," one of them says, straightening up with a deferential smile, "your usual table?"
"No, not today. We'd like a private room if you have one available. I'm with the Prince of Sunhaven, after all."
The staff's eyes widen comically as they take in my presence for the first time. A flurry of bows and murmured apologies follows as they scramble to accommodate us. Within moments, we're being led through a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors.
The private dining room they usher us into is a marvel of understated luxury.
As we settle into our seats across from each other, the distance between us feels vast and unbearable. The table, though small, might as well be an ocean for all that it keeps me from the warmth of Sufri's touch.
"So," Sufri says, her voice a low purr that sends shivers down my spine, "what do you like to eat, Elwin?"
The question hangs in the air between us, laden with unspoken possibilities. I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, a combination of the intimate setting and the intensity of Sufri's gaze. My heart pounds in my chest, a drumbeat of desire and nervousness.
I can't hold back anymore. "I'd really like a full serving of you."
Sufri laughs in surprise. She reaches across the table, her warm hand enveloping mine.
"In due time, honey," she purrs, her thumb tracing lazy circles on the back of my hand. "Let's get to know each other better first, shall we?"
The candlelight flickers, casting dancing shadows across her face, accentuating the elegant lines of her cheekbones and the curve of her lips.
"Do you have any hobbies, Elwin?" Sufri asks, her voice soft and inviting.
I take a moment to consider, acutely aware of the warmth of her hand on mine. The question seems so mundane, so at odds with the electric atmosphere between us.
"Well I read a lot. And I hang out with my sisters. We play a lot of games together. Spaghetti…" I pause, feeling suddenly self-conscious, "Nothing that interesting, really."
Sufri's eyebrow arches, a silent encouragement to continue. Her thumb hasn't stopped its maddening circles on my skin.
"I do write, though," I add, almost as an afterthought.
This seems to pique her interest. Sufri leans forward slightly, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Oh? What kind of stories do you write?"
I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, a blush spreading down my neck.
"Probably not what you're expecting," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.
Sufri's eyes glitter with intrigue, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Try me."
I hesitate, my mind racing. Since I only write stories about Yandere women raping men, in this world, that would be seen as barbaric compared to it only being reverse rape back in my original world. It'd be too embarrassing to tell her the truth.
"Well," I say slowly, "I write romance, I guess."
Sufri laughs again. "Oh, so it's exactly what I'm expecting after all."
I shake my head, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "Probably not," I mumble, averting my gaze. "I can show you later, I guess."
"I look forward to it."