Lucas

　　"Be safe. I will wait here." Silence.

　　A stunned expression decorated his hard features. He stood outside of an exclusive club when his Rie ended the call.

　　Damn! His queen was the definition of a challenge. He surmised he would have to look for better methods in wooing her. She had warmed up to him this morning. He loved the relaxing feeling of her company.

　　Later. Maybe he could take her out on a moonlit stroll and a picnic fondue. ...