You blink rapidly at the stranger casting a shadow over you.
“Hello there,” the blue-eyed man says and smiles kindly, putting you at ease. This is your escort?
You don’t answer him but glance at his ears. Oh. He’s human, along with all the other soldiers here except for the Commander.
That is odd.
Come to think of it, you’ve noticed that the Commander is the only elf you’ve seen at this post. Why is he the only elf? Surely, there are others of his kind like him?
And even though you’ve never actually seen an elf in person before the Commander, you’ve heard all about their devilry from your people and all your studies.
You decide to file that information away for later and focus on plotting your escape. But first, you need a weapon.
As you take in the stranger, you notice he’s also dressed similarly to your Commander but has another silver emblem on his uniform. He is possibly a superior.
Your Commander.
You nearly choke on your spit as your mind flashes over the wayward thought. No, he’s not your Commander. You push that thought away fast, realizing it’s madness.
Focus!
Indeed, being held prisoner has gotten to your head, and perhaps you’re not sleeping well, either. Yes, that must be it.
Seconds later, the Commander appears under the archway of the mess hall. He’s hard to miss as he stands there alone. His leafy gaze sweeps the room, and the moment his eyes sync with yours, your heart pounds wildly in your chest.
He strides over and joins you both.
“Commander, good to see you well.” The brown-haired older man grips the Commander’s right arm. His eyes crinkle at the corners as he greets him in what looks like true friendship. Your heart aches for the first time with homesickness as you think of your friends back home and those lost to battle.
Why is he so informal with him? At first, you’re incredibly shocked by the display. This display would never be allowed in the Great City.
You observe how the Commander nods but doesn’t give anything away. Of course, he wouldn’t. His achingly beautiful face is so severe that you sigh with mild annoyance.
Really? Doesn’t he ever smile?
The stranger’s jovial blue eyes sparkle as he focuses on you.
“Who are you?” you finally demand.
The Commander inclines his head your way. “Captain. Our…prisoner,” he says. You notice that he immediately shares a secret look with this Captain. Oh, how you detest being left out of the loop like this.
The Commander finally relents. “Captain Stanlas, this is y/n from the Great City.” His green eyes sync with yours, almost ordering you to behave yourself. “Y/n, Captain Stanlas will escort you on the remainder of your journey.”
The older Captain’s eyes are full of intrigue, but there’s also kindness as he stares at you with an odd fascination. It’s strange, and you shift in your seat with unease and wonder what it means.
Although he appears older than the Commander, he’s still a fit, handsome man with silver at the temples of his light brown hair.
“Y/n, I hope your stay with us has been comfortable?” Captain Stanlas asks smoothly, and it’s such a stark contrast to the surly Commander that you actually smile.
Hmmm. This could work out to your advantage.
You motion to the table. “Well, I have no utensils,” you say innocently, turning up the charm as much as possible, hoping he’ll intervene.
The Commander fixes his penetrating green gaze with yours. “You know very well why there are no utensils,” his velvet voice rolls over you.
It sends a little shock through you, and you stifle a gasp. But you surely don’t miss the bite in his words.
You slit your eyes up at him for ruining your chance at a weapon. You match the intensity of his stare in a semi-private showdown for several panicky heartbeats.
Suddenly, Captain Stanlas clears his throat.
Oh. You’d forgotten he was even here.
His eyes flick back to the Commander, then to you, a smile playing on his lips.
“Well then. This alone is worth my travels.” The Captain’s eyes sparkle as he turns his attention to the Commander, and then he immediately shifts to business. “We came as soon as your raven arrived.”
The Commander inclines his head. “Captain, there is a matter we must discuss before you depart. May we speak privately?”
You jerk your head between man and elf. Oh, what is he up to now? You’ve got to get a weapon and get out of here and fast. But you also want to know what they’re saying.
The Commander clasps his hands behind his back.
Captain Stanlas agrees. “Excuse us, please,” the Captain says.
And they pull out of earshot from your position.
Damn him.
Next Page-Commander Story Chapter 18
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