Beating Hearts [Knight's Rest #1]

12

It didn't look like much from the outside; Knight's Rest, but neither did any of the other building within the same vicinity. They all stood tall and proud, some taller than others. Grey, and slightly littered with dust, Thelonious' hotel habituated not far from Blackfriars' station.

The location just added to its stature.

Darcy wasn't indicating that it was outdated or unappealing. Rather, on the contrary, it was beautiful and simple, minimalistic almost. Elegance radiated from the building as it possessed a set of automatic, grand, black tinted double glass doors and gold rimmed windows that glistened under the sunlight.

What she meant was one did not truly know the sanctuary that awaited them on the inside.

"Good evening," she greeted the door man politely as she walked into the same hotel for the second time in the past few days. Neither time had she been a paying guest.

She couldn't remember the elderly doorman the other night. He probably didn't work the night shift.

The interior matched the inside. Even though its size wasn't exactly grand; it sure was spacious and elegant; decorated for sophistication. The tiles that covered the floor consisted of a pattern of black and white marble, each colour alternating; a chessboard right under her feet. Right at the end were the double doors that she had learn the other day led to the kitchen. Across from it, lay another room that lay open, a staircase and elevator doors present as she walked closer towards the receptionist's desk. Like the other tables, and pieces of furniture that lay across the wide hallway, the desk was a dark mahogany brown, a nice contrast against the tiles and cream coloured walls.

A few minimal art pieces decorated either side of the walls as she walked down, approaching the receptionist's desk. As beautiful and unique the paintings were – and most likely expensive – what really caught her eyes was the grey statue that sat on top of a small, dainty mahogany table between the staircase and the double doors that led to the kitchen.

She didn't know much about statues or art in general, but she was sure that this would be an art collector's dream.

The man had long hair that kissed the top of his shoulders, a few strands falling into his closed eyes. The outline of a crown was visible even from the other end of the hallway. The man sat supposedly naked though maintained his modestly as he sat with his legs crossed. His chest was defined and his pectorals chiselled His head was tilted back and his hands rested on his knees, his eyes closed and his face serene as he prayed to the heavens in the utmost peace and tranquillity.

What really stood out was the splash of gold that ran diagonally down his body, all the way from his feet to his crown; a beautiful accent that mixed perfectly with the rest of the interior.

Darcy would be surprised to hear that Thelonious hadn't hired a highly experienced interior designer to style the place.

"Miss Blake," a voice called, pulling her out of her reverie. Tearing her eyes away from the peculiar structure, they switched to the eager blonde stood behind the desk. She may not have known it but her presence had just won him a nice lump of money from Macadamian.

Darcy snorted at the title he had addressed her with. "Darcy is just fine, thank you."

"Darcy Blake," he tested the name on his tongue. "It has a nice ring to it." His words were deliberate and slow, his lips displaying a teasing smile.

She was almost sure he was making fun of her.

"Do you know where Thelonious is?" She asked, glancing over at the lifts that would lead her up to the first floor where his room was located. Something else that she had also learnt form having spent the night the other day.