Ferals

Alessia's POV Intermission

“That was amazing!” Laughing, Jenkins beams, grabbing me up and swinging me around in a bear hug.

“Put me down!” I laugh with him. “Let’s go get a drink, and something to eat, we’ve got an hour before the next round.” We head off to the refreshment booths set up around the arena. We each grab a mug of water and grab a plate. I fill mine with some fruit, cheeses, and bread. Jenkins loads his with different meats and bread then we find a quiet place to sit as we eat.

“Did you see your dad’s face? I thought he was going to bust a blood vessel!” Jenkins says, around a mouthful of food.

“Yea, I saw it. Do you think he was impressed? From a tactical standpoint I mean.” I ask.

“I don’t know half-pint. I can’t tell the difference between his I’m impressed and his I’m pissed off face. Honestly, I can only recognize his I’m pissed off face, I think it’s the only face he ever makes.” Jenkins sighs. “It doesn’t matter, you made it through the round. There’s only two more to go and I know you will make it through just fine.” He encourages me.

“I know, I’m not worried about that. I want to prove to him that I can be a great Officer. I’m not here to prove I can fight, he already knows that. I need to prove I can think on my feet, that I can see the whole picture, not just the battle in front of me.” I grumble while picking at my food.

“Look Alessia, even if he doesn’t acknowledge it, we all know how good you are. The other Officers have been watching you your whole life, and I bet they will all be fighting to get you assigned to their platoons. You’ll move through the ranks quickly, don’t let him get to you.” He reaches over and squeezes my hand.

I stare at him in skeptical disbelief, but let him console me. He doesn’t understand. He’s always had his father’s approval. Mine has despised me since the day I was born. He doesn’t know about how hard I’ve tried, the long hours of practice and training I put in alone in my room long after everyone else had finished for the day. No one knows. Just like they don’t know how every time I accomplished a new skill I would look to my father for a sign that he approved, that he acknowledged my work or my ability, any sign. Never, not once has he looked with me with anything but loathing and disappointment. I just want to make him proud, just once I would like for him to see me, really see me. I know asking him to love me is asking for too much, so I will settle for pride, I hope today is the day that finally happens. I really want to make him proud today.

“Hi Jenkins!” a feminine chorus sing-songs behind me, accompanied by simpering giggles. I roll my eyes and pull my hand back across the table.

“Great, here comes the Bride Brigade.” I mumble under my breath, rolling my eyes as Jenkins flashes them his panty dropping smile. I slouch in my seat as they come over and hover around him, watching them as they each vie for his attention.

“Hello ladies, don’t you all look lovely. Are you enjoying melee?” he asks them, leaning back in his chair.

A buxom blonde leans over the table, her breasts nearly spilling out of her top right in Jenkins face. “Oh yes, very much, you were magnificent in the first round. So strong, so courageous, so…virile.” She purrs, running her fingers up and down his arm. “I can’t wait to watch you in the next round. And maybe, afterward we can have a drink, to celebrate your victory.” She licks her lips and gives him an inviting smile.

I can’t help it, I try to force it down, but a snort escapes my tightly pressed lips as I struggle to contain my laughter. The blond turns and glares at me.

“What are you laughing at?” she snaps, her meek demeanor vanishes instantly as she stakes her claim on Jenkins.

“Nothing, my apologies, I was just leaving.” I excuse myself and stand to leave, not wanting to get drug into a hormone induced squabble I have no claim staked in. “I’ll see you later Jenkins.” I call over my shoulder as I stroll out the door.

As I make my way back to the arena, I spy my father conversing with Prince Sebastian outside a refreshment booth. I lower my head and pick up my pace, not wanting to draw attention to myself.

“Alessia..” I cringe as I hear my father summoning me. Sucking in a deep breath, I look up and acknowledge him. I turn in their direction. What could he possibly want? And why is he summoning me when he is with the Prince.? At this thought I take the opportunity to get a good look at Prince Sebastian. Even though my father has spent some time with the royals, he has never seen fit to introduce me. Prince Sebastian is just a few inches taller than me. His fine clothes hug his muscular physique quite well. Not as soft as I thought he would be. He has his sandy brown hair polished and combed to perfection. His face is smooth and clear of stubble, showing off his fine jaw and aquiline nose. I catch his honey-brown eyes greedily roving over my own body. I drop my eyes and fight the rising heat I feel climbing my face. I've never been comfortable with male attention, and have always avoided it. The other girls that hung around the barracks trying to gain the attention of the soldiers stationed there, always treated me with disdain, calling me a w***e and other colorful names, even though I'm a virgin. They blamed me for the soldier's lack of interest in them. Honestly, I didn't have to worry about the soldiers living in the barracks, they all know who I am, who my father is. I probably couldn't get a date, even if I wanted one. I Shift my focus to my waiting father to help distract me from the uncomfortable feeling I'm getting from the look in Prince Sebastian’s eyes.

As I reach them I address the General, “Yes, Sir.” I salute and snap to attention in front of them, awaiting his orders.

“At ease.” He announces, and I drop my hands, folding them together behind my back and spread my feet shoulder length apart. “Prince Sebastian has invited us to dine with him and King Henry tonight. I expect you to be at the castle door at two zero three zero sharp. Dismissed.”

I salute him and bow to Prince Sebastian, who gives me a salacious smile and nods his dismissal. I turn on my heel and make my escape. What the... that was...strange. Why in the world would he invite us to dinner? What is my father up to? Or is it the Prince? One of them is definately up to something. Ughh, why can't they leave me out of their little political games?I quickly make my way back to the arena, where I find Jenkins lounging against the outer wall.

“Hey half-pint, you ready for round two?” he calls out.

“Uhm hmm” I mumble, my thoughts still racing from my earlier encounter.

“Hey, what is it? What’s going on?” he asks, obviously reading my expression.

“I just ran into my father. He was with Prince Sebastian. The Prince invited my father and me to dine with the Royal Family tonight, after the melee.”

Jenkin's jaw drops, “What the….” He trails off, “ I don’t know what to say to that half-pint.”

“Neither do I, and I can’t afford to think about it now, the next round is about to start.” I huff out a breath and shake my arms out.

“You’re right, time to focus. Let’s go kick some ass!” Jenkins cracks his neck and rolls his shoulders. I smile as the horn blows signaling the combatants to the arena.