Lux shifted uncomfortably, and eyed the metal walls. She hadn't had a wealth of experience with enclosed spaces, and this metal box attached to some pulley system didn't reassure her in the least. It made her stomach feel odd, like it was somewhere near the ceiling, unable to keep up.
She knew it was attached to some mechanical system because she had flatly refused to get into the elevator until Ethan explained what the hell it was to her in some detail.
He glanced sideways and grinned.
"You'll get used to them. They're pretty reliable, and without them, it's almost impossible to get to some floors – so unless you want to live a fairly restricted life here...."
Lux gave him one of her best withering glares, which was interrupted by an electronic chime as the lift slowed to a halt.
They emerged into another roughly cut, glimmering corridor similar to Lux's current quarters, but with no side doors. Their footsteps reverberated off the walls as she paced alongside him.
"Remind me again where we're going?" Lux asked, swallowing her discomfort.
After leaving her to enjoy a warm bath and her first experience of shampoo in a decade the night before, Ethan had ominously informed her he would be back to collect her today. Lux wasn't about to trust anyone readily, but she had little choice, which was how she came to be dressed in a long pale blue shift dress, that left her arms bare but fell to her ankles. It had been so long since she had been out of the leather suit that she felt horribly underdressed, despite the loose cut and length.
"A bit of a tour, that's all. It's traditional to show newcomers a bit of the city before they are tested and allocated to a tier." Ethan spoke conversationally, as he strode purposefully on.
***
Felis ran his hands through his tousled hair and leant back in his leather desk chair. It had been a good morning's work, and he was pleased, albeit exhausted. Still, he mused, it was worth it to see the evidence of Pantheon thriving. The oil reserves were productive and had never been more valuable. This year's harvest was proving fruitful, so with any luck, they may even have surplus to sell on the mainland.
He shut his eyes and took a moment to enjoy the warm breeze flowing through the open glass doors into his study, bringing with it the smell of heady wild flowers and sun.
Gradually he became aware of a different smell, a musky, exotic perfume that immediately evoked the promise of trouble. Trouble and sex.
"Lana." He said flatly, eyes still closed. He heard the slither of silk as she moved a few steps into the doorway.
"Your Highness."
Her voice dripped honey, full of deliberate promise.
Felis opened his eyes, but made no move towards her. He watched her slink sinuously and confidently towards the desk.
"Strange, I don't remember requesting your presence." He didn't bother to hide the cold irritation in his voice.
Lana pouted insincerely, sliding around the desk before sweeping the papers aside and lifting herself in one fluid movement to sit on its surface, legs crossed seductively.
"Oh Felis," she sighed in mock reproach, "What am I to do? With the King away, and yourself so otherwise engaged, the girls grow ever so frustrated..."
Felis raised an eyebrow, and decided to get to the point.
He ran his eye over her, from the tip of her polished toe, up her long legs to the slit in the dark red shift, through which an expanse of caramel toned thigh was very deliberately on show. He took his time as his eyes rose up the slim curve of her waist to her chest, invitingly angled towards him. Finally, he met her brown almond eyes.
Lana smirked.
Felis leaned in closer until their faces were inches apart. It was always a twisted little game with Lana, one to which he knew the rules only too well.
"Want to know what I think?" He said, slowly and softly.
"Enlighten me...." She purred.
"I think you couldn't care less if the rest of the circle tore each other apart..." He drew himself a little closer in the chair, cheek almost to cheek, to whisper in her ear; "I think... you just want a good fuck."
Lana closed her eyes and shuddered gently, instinctively turning her face towards his, but Felis leaned abruptly back in his chair again.
"Of course," he said conversationally with a sudden change of tone, "It's not really my problem. I have every right to tell you to piss off and go and amuse yourself until the King returns in a few days time...." He stood up.
Lana's eyes flashed dangerously.
"...However, today I'm feeling generous," Felis finished. Swiftly enough to surprise her he grasped her arm and pulled her up to meet his hard chest.
