She had put the word out through the league's channels: the Gilded Queen's door was open to anyone with interest in private sparring. Helpful critique. New (or old) ideas. A chance to roll with a veteran who had survived every dungeon and spotlight Europe had to offer.
Mako Adachi had been among the first to reach out, and Aurelia respected the initiative and planned to, before the two climbed on the mats, prove a good host.
Her townhouse reflected her own duality. Under normal circumstances, the room boasted rich mahogany furniture, velvet drapes, and the scent of expensive sandalwood. Today, however, the heavy armchairs and the marble coffee table had been pushed to the perimeter. The expensive Persian rug lay rolled in the corner, replaced by a grid of professional-grade wrestling mats that dominated the floor space. It looked a place where the violence of grappling could be practiced with sophistication.
Aurelia paced the perimeter of the mats, her bare feet sinking slightly into the foam. Her eyes caught a flash of black lace draped over the back of a pushed-aside chaise lounge - a silk bustier she had neglected to put away after buying and trying it on the day before. She moved to it with a small, knowing smile, scooping the garment up. She tucked the lace discreetly into a drawer in the hallway console.
She paused before the hallway mirror to give her current attire a final inspection. She had dressed for the occasion in her standard ring attire, believing that one should always practice as they intended to perform. The metallic gold leotard clung to her powerful frame with unforgiving precision, the fabric stretching tight over her thick thighs and the solid curve of her stomach. She adjusted the bodice, ensuring the cutout displayed her cleavage properly without risking a slip, and tightened the red and gold gauntlets on her forearms. Her flame-colored hair fell loose around her shoulders, a vibrant contrast to the gold. She looked every inch what she would have in the ring.
The chime of the doorbell cut through her focus. Good. Right on time.
Ruffling her hair for presentation's sake, she walked to the heavy oak door with her usual heavy, rhythmic gait, likely loud enough to be heard from outside as the floorboards gently creaked. She unlocked the deadbolt and swung the door wide, filling the frame with her presence.
She looked down at Mako, a warm, inviting smile softening the usual imperious edge of her features. She rested one hand on the curve of her gold-clad hip, leaning against the doorframe with relaxed confidence.
"Mako," Aurelia greeted, her voice warm. "You found the place. Come in, come in. The mats are down, and I am entirely at your disposal."
Spoiler
