A Home Away From Home

Chapter Six: He Missed Her

The path leading to the exit of Cordias' mansion seemed surprisingly smooth. The horses galloped towards the end of the path, and into a highway.

He was the only one in the carriage. The quietness was choking.

He was deep in his thought. Medito had gone back to his empire and had suddenly demanded that Cordias was brought over immediately.

And he was on his two weeks off duty. Can't he ever rest??

His mind trailed off to Ivory. She was back. He was planning to throw a party and introduce her to the people. He knew many men were out to get her before she fell ill. But now she's awake. And she doesn't remember a thing.

She doesn't remember him.

It broke his heart immensely.

He had contacted Cupid to start administering drugs to Ivory so that she could regain her memories quickly. He couldn't wait to see the hurt in her face when she discovers that she had hurt him so bad.

Not like he wanted to see her hurt but he wanted her to be soft towards him once she discovers how harsh she had been.

She would apologise so bad and feel his pain.

She was the empathic type.

When ever he was back from duty and hurt, she would take care of him. Even when he had tantrums and he lashes them out, she would still stay with him. She didn't care. She loved him so much.

Oh how he missed her. Her bright, energy-filled voice, and the vibes she brought to his mansion. Even the maids loved her, although they were afraid of him.

He misses the midnight strolls, the candle lit dinners. He missed the way she'd look like an angel in a body hugging velvet dress.

He misses running his fingers through her hair. He missed her hugs, and her milky scent. That scent that always drove him bonkers.

He missed her touch. How her hands would run through his hair, massaging his scalp. Those torrents of pleasure that she brought.

He missed her feel. Her body against his. How she loves touching his body.

And how he loved touching hers.

Cordias chuckled at a thought. He remembered the first time she saw him shirtless. She was shy and naive. She looked vulnerable. But she wasn't afraid. She loved him the way he was, and was the first woman to genuinely admire his body.

Cordias hit his head, trying to focus on the work ahead. But he couldn't. His thoughts trailed back to Ivory.

She looked thin now. Too thin. Bony, as he heard a maid say once.

He sent that maid away though.

Who was she to judge Ivory's present condition? It's not like Ivory made herself like that.

He would make sure Ivory had the best food and the best treatment. He would make sure she would get the best skincare, and make sure she gleamed like a pearl.

He would make sure, at the right time, her mates would envy her.

Then he'd show her to the world.

Yeah.

He would.

"Master Cordias...you've arrived."

******

Cordias walked through the flower scented halls, decorated with ancient artifacts of the past and trophies of the present.

Medito preferred a Pagoda 7 times the original size for a dwelling place rather than a palace.

He felt like the new system of urbanization was going to was away his rich culture that he knew and grew up with him

That worry wart.

The servant escorted Cordias through some bends and corners.

"You may wait here. His Highness would be here soon."

The servant said, and left Cordias in the middle of no where.

Cordias had wondered when had not been at this part of the pagoda before.

"Cordias...you made it time.

Would you like to come in? Make yourself at home!"

Cordias followed the echo of the voice. That was Medito. But where's was he? Focusing, he could hear the voice from the other side of the wall opposite him. Did that mean the entrance of the room was at the other side of the pagoda??

He then realized. That was a secret room. Medito had told him something like that before.

The room was created Incase of an attack. The Emperor would hide in there and use the secret routes I'm there to escape safely.

But he knew Medito was a no-go area in combat. He could fight sleekly. Why would he want the room?

He entered inside the wall and it seemed like walking through a door. Adjusting his eyes to the light, he noticed the room was full.

And SURPRISINGLY small get somewhat dense.

Many voices echoed, saying different things all at once. The room got quiet.

"Cordias...have a seat." A voice echoed. It was Medito. Sitting at the farthest end of the room.

Cordias took a seat, wondering what all of this was.

Medito addressed the room, which containing just 10 people with the exemption of Medito and himself.

They seems to be talking about different things. Growth, infrastructure and things concerning the empire's economy. Alot of things that didn't concern him.

He wasn't a district commissioner or a Duke. Why did Medito call him here?

The place grew quiet.

"I know you're wondering why you're here Cordias." Medito started off, addressing Cordias directly.

Everyone turned to look at him.

"The reason is quite simple. It's because of Ivory."

Medito looked at Cordias, his eyes widening as he slowly processed his words.

"WHAT? What does all this have to do with all Ivory? What are you trying to insinuate?" Cordias said, his tone a bit high.

Medito knew this topic would touch a string. Cordias was over reacting. He hadn't even heard the full details of the gist.

"Cordias....she doesn't have anything to do with what we discussed now and earlier. But something was discovered. About her, that is."

Cordias wanted to get up and drag Medito out of the room and have his explain all this privately.

But he couldn't do that. That's disrespect towards the Grand Emperor. Even though they were friends, he couldn't do that.

No infront of those people.

"Ivory...her blood samples were taken the day she was confirmed to cured of the virus...

But there's a twist now.

Her blood samples didn't go with what we've seen before.

She's not like us Cordias.

That's not Ivory."

Silence was the only thing that was perceived in the room.

Cordias was taking quite a while to digest that fact.

"You know...we here all have perculiar body features. Like horns and wings. When she woke up...did you see her own perculiar body features?

She doesn't even possess arcane, shapeshifter or divine blood.

She's not even a half-blood.

Ask her one thing about our history...bet she knows nothing about it.

She's what they call...a human.

That's not your woman Cordias."

Cordias stared at Medito in shock. No lie...what he said about the features is true.

She had wings before she fell ill...yes, they were chopped off and we're supposed to grow back immediately as that had not been the first time...they were meant to regenerate...why didn't they...

There was no defect.

Then what was wrong...and the memory loss...does this all connect.

Cordias couldn't think straight.

He'd heard of humans before...beings with know special blood no powers at all. As weak as feathers.

Is that what Ivory was right now??

"Then...are you trying to say that lady is an imposter??" Cordias asked faintly.

"There is a chance that she is. People are after your life yunno. And they wouldn't mind using your woman as bait." Medito replied shortly.

"But my mansion has double protection and reinforcement. How come she was taken away and replaced with a body that had the same physical features and the damn virus???!" Cordias said in a shout while standing up. Everyone looked at him weirdly.

He knew some of them. They all knew him.

Who doesn't know him? He's General Cordias.

But they'd never believe he could shout at the Grand Emperor because of a woman.

"Listen before you talk Cordias. Never said that the Ivory you see now is an imposter. All I mean to say is that there is a possibility that she may be one. That we are not sure of and are currently investigating. But there is one favor I want to ask of you Cordias."

Taking a look at Medito, Cordias looked at the floor and took a deep breath.

"Was is it?"

"Oh... it's very simple. We need you to give us permission to use that lady to carry a child. She's the only human we've seen Cordias. You know humans don't exist here. So we need her to expand her race-"

"Bullshit. You're saying bullshit. She ain't gon be making babies for no body."

Cordias spat.

Medito didn't flinch. He knew Cordias couldn't do him a thing.

"I'm not saying bullshit at all. And I never said that any one else will put the baby inside her. You'll be the one to do it. Let her carry a baby. That all.

She's the only human here. I'm sure you don't want me to say those last words thrice."

"She won't even let me touch her. How in the heck will I get her to lay down?!" Cordias let out in a fit of frustration.

"I don't know. Just know that once this news is out...that there's a human... everyone will be interested. Men will follow her. The media. The prints will have her all over it. Who wouldn't want to see a human??

So I don't know how you're gonna do it.If you don't do it, someone will do it for you."

"What's the rush for? It's not like she's gonna die soon." Cordias muttered.

"Cupid said the virus could come back. Her immune system is not like yours. You healed quickly and carried the virus around like it was nothing. Her body will fail her the next time she gets it. And it's gonna come back, sooner or later."

Medito's words hit Cordias like a knife. He didn't know how to think. What to say. How to react.

"How much time we talking here?"

" A maximum of a year and half before the virus strikes. And it takes a human 9 months to carry a baby. So you don't have time."

"Understood." Cordias said quietly.

"Buy why do they all have to be present?"

"Oh...them? We were actually talking more trivial matters before now. And I forgot I had to dismiss them."

Medito said with an akward smile.

"You all may leave."

The men left the room quietly and with no chatter. But Cordias didn't move an inch.

He was fixed to the same spot standing.

"Cordias...may I escort you to your ride?-" Medito asked but got interrupted by a blank faced Medito.

"No. I can go on my own."

Medito sighed, worried for his friend.

"Don't think about it too much. Maybe a miracle will happen-"

"You an I know miracles don't happen mister. We both know that."

*****

The ride home was a silent struggle. Cordias was going through a lot of emotions right now.

He had only 15 months with Ivory. And he has to sleep with her.

Sleep with her. Such funny words.

He got back home more sooner than expected. The maids waited in the normal fashion to greet him.

"Has Ivory had her dinner?" Cordias said, appearing all weary and weak.

"Yes Master. She is just in the gazebo. She said she wants to be left alone."

"You all can go have a rest."

The maids looked at Cordias wide-eyed. The only time he ever said that is when he confessed to Ivory.

The next day, his message to them was 'as cold as ice'. "Never expect me to be soft on you."

Now, they just left quietly, hoping to give him space before he may lash out.

Cordias made his way to the gazebo and spotted Ivory. Looking at her, the words of today flashed through his head.

She will die sooner or later on.

He felt despair.

Should he tell her???

He decided not to do so.

She was sitting quietly and looking at the evening sky.

She didn't even feel his presence.

"Ivory?"

There was no response.

"Ivory...I know that you don't remember anything and like you said...you don't really feel the same way...but what I need right now...i need you. Please."

Cordias said in a gentle plea, while making his way towards the bench in the gazebo. Ivory still faced straight ahead, and didn't budge.

He sat down next to her, and slowly put his fingers through hers. She didn't budge.

Did she remember?

He slowly crept his hands on her tiny waist. She didn't move.

"I don't like this closeness Mr Cordias." Ivory voiced out.

Please...just let me hold you." Cordias said, snaking his head on her shoulder, and taking a bit of her natural scent.

He felt intoxicated immediately.

"You're crushing me" Ivory's voice creaked. Cordias realised that he was huge compared to her and decided to let go.

"You'll be sleeping in my room from now on. I'll make sure Lady Vanora moves your things there later. I'll be expecting you this night."