Page 51 of Chosen
She puts a smile on her face. “Let’s continue the tour.” We walked the length of the floor and stopped in front of a row of rooms.
“This is where the companions stay,” she says so casually, that she could have been speaking about the weather.
My stomach drops. Of course, Draken has companions. Why wouldn’t he? All high-rankingsuperiousmen have them. The more one has the higher the status.
I hate myself for caring but I ask, “Does, The Sector Leader visit this floor often.” The moment the question is out of my mouth, wave my hands in front of me and shake my head. “Forget I asked.
Willa glances over her shoulders. “I’m not at liberty to discuss Lord Draken’s comings and goings but the companions on this floor are not assigned to him. There were two who were but they were recently reassigned and are no longer at the Fortress. And as far as I know, he hasn’t requested new ones.”
I don’t know why this information makes me happy. I wasn’t arrogant enough to assume his companions were reassigned because of me, but a heaviness in my chest was suddenly lifted.
The remainder of the tour was uneventful. One entire floor was designated for entertainment. There was a section that showed old Earth media films and shows. There was a library that held paper books that rivaled the collection in Sector 8.
There were three pools, a gym, and even a game room.
“This floor is for use of the high-ranking officials their personal staff, guests, companions and of course you are allowed use of these amenities.”
I notice she didn’t say all the staff. It’s typical of thesuperiousto keep all the good things to themselves. “And what about the other staff?”
“On the next two floors below us, are all staff rooms. There’s a small entertainment room where there are movie nights and each room has access to the fortress’s film library.”
It didn’t sound as grand as having an entire floor dedicated to leisure activities but at least it was something.
Willa then leads me down to the staff floor, with Ayla shadowing us.
There was a stark difference to the other floors. It lacked the paintings on the wall. The black ceramic was without carpeting like the other floors and the white walls were barren. The doors were all closer together so I’m sure the rooms aren’t much bigger than the supply closet I was given that first night.
Seeing the class difference was jarring and was further shown on the next floor where the Enforcers were housed. The decorations aren’t as grand but there are paintings on the wall and a forest green carpet. There are also holo monitors in random spots.
The next area I’m taken to is the infirmary. As Willa takes me through the large the sterile white halls, I note the injured, homo sapiens on cots in one large area, despite there being rooms that would have allowed them privacy while they recovered from their ailments.
By the time we make it to the main floor where all the offices, dining area, meeting room and the kitchen is located, my spirits are low. I’m reminded of the wide gap in the class system betweensuperiousand homo sapiens. And even if there’s a slim chance that Draken decides to keep me on a permanent basis,there would always be these reminders of who he is and who I am.
“Are you alright, Miss Jamie?” Willa asks seeming to sense my despair.
I can only nod, not wanting to make trouble for her. She’s just doing her job. “I’m just a little tired. The fortress is big.” That’s not exactly a lie. This is the most walking I’ve done in ages and there’s a slight ache in my back.
“The fortress is rather large isn’t it. But necessary on order to house the Sector Leader and his the team to support him. However, there’s one more floor I’d like to show you but we can wait until nighttime. That’s the best time to visit.”
“Sure.” I don’t have any desire to see any more of the fortress.
“I think it’s about time for me to check the kitchen for your afternoon snack, Miss Jamie. Ayla, please escort Miss Jamie back to her room.”
Ayla nods. “This way.”
The tall beauty had been so quiet, I’d almost forgotten she was with us the entire time.
Willa walks off in the opposite direction as Ayla takes me back to the elevator.
“So we finally meet.” A deep voice calls from behind me.
I turn to see who is speaking but, Ayla who had been in front of me second before, is in front of me so swiftly that I had barely noticed her move.
She blocks my view so I literally have to lean to the side to see.
I see asuperiouswho isn’t that much taller than Ayla, but the bright blue eyes are reminiscent of Draken’s except these are somehow colder, despite the owner wearing a wide smile.
There’s something about that smile that makes me uneasy.
