Squidboy Part Three

Part One

I felt the now-familiar rumble of the engines begin to slow, and heard the high-pitched whistle of the gasbags gradually depleting, suggesting we were making a descent. I looked to the master of the Yellow Tiger Club. Dressed in a silk kimono but otherwise naked, he flashed me a quick smile and put his hand on my shoulder.

"You look nervous," he said. "Don't be."

"We're descending."

"Indeed," replied Edmund de Versailles.

"Picking up customers?"

He nodded. "Just one," he answered.

"Who?" I persisted.

"I believe you already know."

I swallowed a lump that had formed in my throat. Edmund being coy only confirmed my suspicions. We were about to pick up Sir Victor Tyrell, the man I'd set my sights on only a few short days ago and who was the object of this ridiculous quest that had already changed the course of my life in ways I could never have imagined. It dawned on me that Sir Victor had no idea I even existed, no idea of the lengths I'd gone to just for the chance to be with him, no idea of the depths of my devotion—or my depravity. I wasn't afraid to give my virginity to this man, this stranger. No. The only thing that terrified me was the possibility of failure. The thought of Sir Victor's rejection was a terrifying prospect, but the thought of backing down wasn't even up for consideration. Not given everything I'd done to get to this point, nor considering the stakes of my wager with my brother—if I failed to seduce Sir Victor, I had agreed to allow my twin to take my virginity himself.

Tentacles writhed about my torso as a reminder of what I'd given up to win Sir Victor's affection, and I could still taste Edmund on my breath, a trophy for having earned my place upon the airship. All this—just because I'd carelessly mentioned my attraction to Sir Victor to my brother, on a whim. That fateful moment had led to the dare, and the dare had led me here.
Now, as the airship descended, I had to wonder, what would happen if after all this, Sir Victor still didn't want me.

"Take courage, my young friend," said Edmund, "he will want you. Trust me. I did."

I nodded. "I have to seduce him," I said under my breath. "I have to, or else it's all over."

"In that case," Edmund replied, pausing to place his hand upon my waist, "follow me."