The Proposition

Alkaia had told Matthaio to come to the lounge at 1600 hours, so they would have three hours together before his mission. She was wearing a beautiful deep blue satin gown with sapphire earrings and elbow-length gloves to match. The gown was full-length, backless and strapless, revealing the accented curves of her back. It blossomed into "leaves" at her breasts, embroidered with elaborate beaded patterns. There was a spray of small blue feathers attached to the peak of the leaf of her right breast, just below her shouder. The gown hugged her upper body in such a way that it accented and highlighted her most attractive features, and the skirt flared at the knees, so that it was full at the hem. This was the style at the time.

For some reason, the Yalta sun set in the late afternoon, so it was beginning to get dark. As Matthaio was seen walking towards the lounge, Alkaia cued the band she had "convinced" to play. They began playing "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square", and Matthaio entered the large room. He was wearing a black pinstripe zoot tux with his fedora to match and wingtip shoes, a carnation in his lapel and a delicate bouquet of red roses in his hand. He smiled at Alkaia, who was waiting for him on the same dance floor on which they had met. "My god..." he breathed to himself.She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful creature Matthaio had ever seen. Her mid-length auburn hair was swept up elaborately in a style that looked like a work of art. The only makeup she had applied was a beautiful red lipstick that somehow made her eyes shimmer. Around her exposed neck hung a large teardrop sapphire. She smiled at Matthaio, and he strode over to her, kissing her hand. He presented her the roses to her, then selected the most beautiful and nestled it in a cranny in her hair. He kissed her neck and murmured "I love you" in her ear.

The band broke into "Moonlight Serenade" as Matthaio took Alkaia's hand and said to her, "My beautiful lady, may I have this dance?" Alkaia smiled in reply as they assumed promenade position and began slowly swaying to the music. Matthaio continued to whisper in her ear and kiss her cheek and neck. Alkaia rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, feeling the music.

An hour later, the two sat at a Parisian Cafe-style table that happened to be placed there. Alkaia looked at Matthaio. "Matthaio...I know this mission is dangerous. No matter what you tell me, you could be killed. I am smart. I know what can happen...so promise me that you will not do anything heroic. Do your mission, then come back. You are not a spy; you are a fighter pilot. You don't even like bomber pilots. You got in a fight with one last week, remember?" Matthaio chuckled, reminiscing. "So please, don't be pompous and heroic like one. Do your duty, then come back to me. I love you, Matthaio, and I will never be able to live with myself if something happens." She looked into his soft brown eyes. "Promise."

Matthaio embraced her. "I promise, my love. I won't get myself killed." The bright full moon shone through a window, creating a spotlight effect on the dance floor. The band began "My One and Only Love", as their leader, Louie Armstrong, began crooning in his unique voice. The two rose again, the ballad calling to them, and danced to the tune. Matthaio looked down and noticed his shoe was untied. "Oh...excuse me..." He bent down to tie it, but instead reached into his pocket, revealing a small, black velvet box. On one knee, Matthaio took a deep breath. "Alkaia...from the moment I met you, I knew you were the most beautiful, classy, intelligent girl I could ever hope to know. If I were to think of the most perfect woman in the world, she wouldn't even come close to you. You are my world, and I love you. Alkaia...will you be my wife?" He opened the box, revealing a beautifulplatinum-and-diamond ring. The center diamond weighed 1 carat, surrounded by smaller rubies.

Alkaia smiled at him. "Of course I will." She kissed him passionately and said, "Matthaio, I love you..." as the continued dancing. He didn't notice the tears streaming down her cheeks as she thought of leaving him as he went on a dangerous mission.

As the hours past, the thought of leaving each other became more and more ominous. Then, at 6:30, Matthaio sighed. "Alkaia, love of my life, I'm afraid it's time for me to leave. He dipped her and kissed her with more passion than any kiss ever seen on the planet before. They walked into the cool night air together, and Matthaio kissed her hand. "Goodbye, my one and only love. I will return for you." Alkaia fell into his arms, smelling the sweet scent of her love.

"Goodbye...Matthaio, why are you so good to me?"

He looked at her puzzledly. "You're my girl."

She smiled back at him. "I'll always be your girl."

With that, Matthaio kissed her once more and left towards the airfield. Somewhere, far off, Alkaia could have sworn she heard a nightingale singing...

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