Chapter 20: Lay of the land

"This is the young master's hall," Ada explained. "His office is just down the way from the bedroom you came out of."

Ada motioned to a large, ornate door on their right. It was ominous, and there was a man standing just outside of the door vigilantly. Nazmi narrowed her gaze, wondering if she had seen him before. Something about the soldier was very familiar…

It was at that same moment that the young man turned to look at them. He and Nazmi made really awkward eye contact.

"Ah!" He exclaimed. Heat rose to his cheeks and her averted his gaze uncomfortably when he noticed the state of her skin. "I'm…uh, glad you're okay."

Nazmi recognized him after he spoke. "You're the one who walked in whe-"

"AHAH! Ha, ha…" he coughed to interrupt her. "Yes, I was there when you and Samir met the first time."

She looked at him with a questioning smile, but decided not to press the issue anymore. "I didn't get your name. Would you be so kind?"