Exalted Champion: Ch 6 (rough draft) (Patreon)

Chapter 6: Happy Wife, Happy Life

I stepped into the dungeon lobby, and the low hum of adventuring parties getting ready to step through the portal greeted me as I made my way back up to the elevators. Bronze gilded cages that would take me to my apartment floor.

I passed unsure faces, dressed in black and gold. Students unsure of their new social standing with the rise of a new prince. I made no indication to dissuade them from their unease. Their social standing was not my problem, and things would sort themselves out with time, that I knew. My worry lay with the two women I was obligated to take as my wives. I had conquered in the arena, and for better or worse, they were mine now.

Fuck I’m not looking forward to this. They have been so absolutely completely shity to Ashley and Rachel. And not much better with me. I have two vipers in the nest now.

I pushed open the door to our apartment, our home and place of sanctuary here at the college.

The living room erupted with voices the moment I stepped inside. Eight pairs of eyes locked onto me, some concerned, others calculating. Ashley lounged on the sofa in a silken robe that barely covered her thighs, while Rachel sat ramrod straight beside her, a letter clutched in her hand. Milly bounced on her toes near the kitchen doorway, her bovine ears twitching with excitement. Sasha knelt on a cushion, her blue-tipped tails swishing nervously behind her.

"How was the dungeon?" Ashley asked, her voice honey-sweet but her eyes sharp with unasked questions.

"Rakthanos was his usual dramatic self," I said, dropping into the armchair. "The amulet works exactly as we hoped. Channel mana in, get a purifying wave out. Cleanses corruption and keeps my mind safe from abyssal influence."

Rachel leaned forward. "And the catch? There's always a catch."

"The moment I use it, every abyssal entity within a thousand miles will know exactly where I am. I'll become their primary target." I ran a hand through my hair. "Oh, and Legion's losing his battle. We have less than a year before the abyss takes over completely."

"Fuck," Ashley breathed.

"My thoughts exactly." I noticed Faith hovering near Rachel, her pink elven ears drooping slightly. "What's wrong? You all look like someone died."

"We have a situation," Rachel said, holding up an official-looking letter with the college seal. "This arrived while you were gone."

Sasha approached with a cup of cossa, which I gratefully accepted. "Master Eric, they're saying we must move."

"Move?" I frowned, taking the letter from Rachel. The imperial script was ornate but unmistakable.

Rachel nodded grimly. "The college administration has formally requested—though 'commanded' would be more accurate—that we cohabitate with Tiffany and Adelia in the royal apartments."

"Immediately," Ashley added, her voice tight. "As in today."

I scanned the letter, the formal language barely disguising the order beneath. "Fuck. They can't just stay in Leonard's old quarters?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"College law is clear," Rachel said, her voice clipped. "All acting wives must reside with their husbands. No exceptions, not even for princes."

Allie added. "The college is sending porters tomorrow morning to help relocate us to the royal apartments."

I scanned the letter, the formal language making my head throb. "So, we're all moving to Leonard's old quarters? Fantastic."

I drained the cossa, wishing it were something stronger. "So, we have no choice in this."

"None," Rachel confirmed. "And if we delay, it will be seen as a direct challenge to college authority."

Ashley's fingers tightened around mine. "We need to go meet with them first—establish boundaries before we move in. Otherwise, they'll try to take control of everything."

I nodded, understanding the political game at play. This wasn't just about living arrangements; it was about hierarchy, power, and position. "When?"

"Now," Rachel said, standing and smoothing her uniform. "They're expecting us. The letter indicated we should present ourselves to the royal apartments by sunset."

“How are we going to hide our extracurricular activities from them? From how they have acted, they might take any opportunity to betray us they can get.” I asked, flopping down in a plush sofa chair. Sasha refiled my cossa cup.

Rachel and Ashley exchanged a look that spoke volumes about their shared concerns. "We can't," Ashley said flatly. "Not without significant adjustments to how we operate."

"The royal apartments are larger," Rachel offered, though her tone suggested she didn't find much comfort in that fact. "More rooms, more privacy. But they're also more exposed—higher in the tower, closer to faculty observation."

I set down my cossa cup with more force than necessary. "So we're walking into a situation where two women who despise us will be living under the same roof, potentially reporting our every move to anyone who'll listen."

"That's about the size of it," Ashley confirmed. "Though I suspect they have their own secrets they'd rather keep hidden."

Milly stepped forward, her bovine features earnest. "Master Eric, what if we... adjusted the sleeping arrangements? Made it look more traditional?"

I shook my head. "I'm not sleeping apart from my wives to appease two women who hate us."

"Good," Ashley said, her voice fierce. "Because I wasn't planning on giving up my place in your bed either."

Rachel stood, pacing to the window. "We need to establish dominance immediately. Make it clear that this is our household, not theirs. They're the newcomers."

Sasha's ears flattened against her head. "Master, what if they try to hurt the other slaves? Leonard was... cruel to his household."

The thought made my blood boil. "They won't. I'll make that very clear from the beginning."

Faith wrung her hands near the doorway. "Master Eric, the porters will be here at dawn. Where should we have them put your things in the royal apartments?"

"The master bedroom, obviously," Rachel said before I could respond. "Eric's the prince. He gets the largest suite. Tiffany and Adelia can have the secondary bedrooms."

"Will they accept that?" Allie asked quietly.

"They don't have a choice," I said, standing and straightening my uniform. "I won the duel. I inherited Leonard's title and holdings. That includes his living arrangements." I paused, looking around at the faces of my household. "But I also inherited his responsibilities. That means ensuring all my wives are treated with appropriate respect."

Ashley snorted. "Even if they don't deserve it?"

"Especially then. It reflects on us if we handle this poorly." I moved toward the door. "Come on. Let's get this over with."

Rachel and Ashley flanked me as we left the apartment, our footsteps echoing in the corridor. The elevator ride to the upper levels felt longer than usual, the bronze cage carrying us toward what would undoubtedly be an unpleasant confrontation. I could feel the tension radiating from both Rachel and Ashley, their usual composure strained by the prospect of living with their rivals.

"Remember," I said as we approached the royal apartments, "we're not here to negotiate. We're here to inform them how things will work."

“I’ve never known Tiffany to be quick on the up take.” Ashley said with a sneer.

Rachel scoffed, “Adelia is even slower.”

I paused in thought for a second. taking a few deep breaths in and out to center my mind. At the end of the day they’re just two girls, two women who have had to do the best they can. I have to give them a chance, if I don’t no one will. How much of their attuited has been an act and adaptation for surviving with Leonard.

the elevator stopped and we were up in the third layer of the tower. The bronze elevator doors slid open onto a world unlike any other level of the tower I'd seen before. The third layer was bathed in golden light that seemed to pour from the very walls themselves. The marble floors gleamed with veins of actual gold, not just gilt or paint, but real precious metal running through pristine white stone like frozen lightning. Ornate tapestries depicting imperial victories and mythological scenes hung between tall windows that offered breathtaking views of the city below.

"Welcome to where the real nobility lives," Rachel whispered, her voice tight with recognition.

The ceiling soared at least thirty feet above us, painted in a fresco that depicted the pantheon of imperial gods seated among the clouds. Ack looked majestic and powerful, his loin cloth moved aside to show his massive cock protruding from between his legs as he sat his throne. Sippsie his heavenly mistress was sprawled between his legs, mouth secured around the shaft of his heavenly member. the red robes she wore splayed and fell from her body exposing the tight slit of her divine feminine shape. Alystra bent over her celestial husband had secured in the deep red hair of Sippsie as she guided her husband’s mistress in her worshipful duty. Roxclue was a small depiction, the best-kin god made small in sizer and standing, draped in chains and manacles securing him to the heavenly throne floor.

"The royal layer," Rachel murmured beside me. "Most students never even see this floor."

Crystal chandeliers hung at intervals, each one worth more than most commoners would see in a lifetime. The air itself smelled different—not the dusty, scholarly scent of the lower levels, but something perfumed with exotic spices and expensive incense.

I nodded, taking in the ostentatious display. "How many apartments are up here?"

"Only six," Ashley answered, her voice low. "One for each royal student, though there haven't been six royals attending simultaneously in decades.

"The royal apartments are at the end," Rachel said, gesturing toward an imposing set of double doors inlaid with silver and onyx. "Leonard's—yours now."

I approached, feeling strangely like an intruder despite my new title. The doors were carved with the imperial eagle and the symbol of the Palebreaker family, which I supposed would soon need to be replaced with my own house sigil.

"Exalted Prince Grayson," a guard announced as we approached, bowing deeply. "The royal apartments await your inspection."

I nodded, trying to project the confidence I didn't entirely feel. "And my... other wives? Are they inside?"

"Yes, Exalted Prince. They await your pleasure." The guard's tone gave nothing away, but I caught the subtle glance he exchanged with his partner.

I took a deep breath and turned to Rachel and Ashley. "Let's get this over with."

The guard pushed open the doors, revealing an antechamber that made our current apartment look like a servant's quarters. Vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and a fountain in the center featuring a life-sized statue of a nymph pouring water from an endless pitcher. The floor was a mosaic depicting scenes from imperial history, each tiny tile placed with precision that must have taken years to complete.

And standing beside the fountain, wearing expressions of practiced neutrality, were Tiffany and Adelia.

Tiffany wore a gown of midnight blue that complemented her pale blonde hair, which was arranged in an elaborate style that must have taken hours. Adelia stood slightly behind her, dressed in black silk that

clung to her petite frame and shimmered with silver thread whenever she moved. The silver tips of her hair caught the light, making them look like polished metal. Both women's expressions were carefully controlled, their faces masks of cool disdain that cracked momentarily when they saw me enter with Rachel and Ashley at my sides.

Both women were the picture of aristocratic beauty, but their eyes held none of the warmth their postures attempted to convey.

"Prince Husband," Tiffany spoke first, sinking into a perfect curtsy, her voice musical yet brittle as thin ice. "We welcome you to your royal apartments."

Adelia followed suit, her curtsy equally flawless. "We have been awaiting your arrival, Exalted Prince."

"Rise wife," I acknowledged, using the term deliberately. "I trust you've been informed of the arrangements?" I asked keeping my voice neutral. I studied them as they straightened, searching for any hint of the malice I knew lurked beneath their polished veneers.

Tiffany's perfect smile didn't waver, but I caught the slight tightening around her eyes. "Indeed, Prince Husband. The college has made it clear that we are to... cohabitate."

"I trust you've been comfortable here."

"Most comfortable, Prince Husband," Tiffany replied, her gaze sliding to Rachel and Ashley with barely concealed contempt. "Though we have been... anxious... awaiting your decision regarding our future arrangements."

I felt Rachel stiffen beside me. Ashley's fingers twitched at her side. A subtle tell that she was restraining herself from speaking out of turn.

"The arrangements are simple," I said, my voice firm. "We will all reside here, as college law dictates. I will take the master suite. My wives will be treated with respect, regardless of prior... disagreements."

Adelia's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, Prince Husband. We understand our position perfectly."

"Do you?" I stepped closer, letting my voice drop. "Because I want to be absolutely clear. I won this title in combat. I didn't ask for it, and I certainly didn't ask for additional wives. But here we are. I am willing to lay our disagreements to rest along with Leonard. A fresh start, so to say, but only this once."

Tiffany's perfect composure slipped for just a moment, revealing a flash of genuine fear. "We understand the circumstances... Prince Husband."

"Good. Then understand this as well: any attempt to undermine my household, any disrespect shown to Rachel or Ashley, any action not in keeping with the standards of my household will not be tolerated. I do things differently than Leonard. I’m sure you have the acumen to adapt." I let my mana flare slightly, a subtle display of power that made the air crackle. "I am not Leonard."

"We are well aware, Prince husband," Adelia murmured, her eyes lowered. "We shall strive to do honor to Alleystra and our families in our new roles.”

“Good. And we may even find a measure of friendship as we get to know one another.” I said inclining my head. “Now, would you do us the honor of showing me my apartment.” I intentionally used word of possession so they would have no misunderstandings as who now owned this apartment.

“As our Prince husband commands,” Tiffany and Adelia said together.

We walked around the fountain in the foray receiving chamber. There were two doors, a set of ornate double doors and a smaller plain but nice door. “Through there is one of the servant quarters entrances,” Adelia said with a disdainful flick of her hand.

We approached the double doors and the two blond elves I had seen accompany Leonard on many occasions opened the doors.

The double doors swung open to reveal a sprawling main hall that made me pause mid-step. The ceiling soared even higher than the antechamber, with golden chandeliers casting warm light across the space. The walls were lined with bookshelves and display cases filled with artifacts and trophies I had no doubt were genuine and priceless.

"The main salon," Tiffany announced, gliding forward with practiced grace. "Perfect for entertaining guests of appropriate standing."

I caught Rachel's subtle eye roll and felt Ashley's fingers tense against my arm.

"And how often did Leonard entertain?" I asked, running my fingers along the spine of a leather-bound tome that looked older than the empire itself.

"The late Prince preferred privacy," Adelia answered smoothly. "Though the space was maintained for official functions."

The floor was polished marble inlaid with gold and silver patterns that formed arcane symbols beneath our feet. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, large enough for a man to stand in, its mantle carved with scenes of imperial conquest.

"Through here is the dining hall," Tiffany continued, leading us through another set of ornate doors.

The dining room could easily seat twenty people. A table of dark, polished wood gleamed under another crystal chandelier, each place setting already arranged with silver and gold flatware.

"The kitchen connects directly," Adelia explained, indicating a discrete door in the corner. "The servants' passages allow for seamless service without disruption."

"And the bedrooms?" Rachel asked, her voice calm but edged with steel.

Tiffany's smile tightened. "Of course. This way, if you please."

We followed them down a corridor lined with portraits of previous Palebreaker princes. I noticed Leonard's was already missing—removed the moment news of his death had reached the college, no doubt.

"The master suite," Tiffany announced, pushing open a massive door inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

The bedroom was obscene in its luxury. A bed large enough for six people dominated the center, draped in silks and furs. The ceiling was mirrored, reflecting the bed below in disturbing detail. Windows wrapped around two walls, offering breathtaking views of the college grounds and the city beyond.

"Leonard had... particular tastes," Adelia offered, watching our reactions carefully.

"I can see that," I replied, taking in the restraints attached to each bedpost and the collection of implements displayed on one wall. "Those will be removed immediately."

"As you wish, Prince Husband," Tiffany said, her tone neutral.

Ashley walked to the windows, her face reflected in the glass. "The view is spectacular."

"One of the benefits of royal status," Adelia agreed, moving to stand beside her. "You can see all the way to the imperial palace on clear days."

"The master bathing chamber," Tiffany continued, opening another door.

The bathroom was larger than our entire current apartment. It was filled with all the things bathroom could be and somethings I thought were completely unnecessary but, wealth was wealth and the royal apartments stuffed reminders of it in everywhere. Every nook and cranny.

“I’ve seen enough for now,” I said turning and heading back to the main living area. Adelia and Tiffany both bowed and followed behind Rachel and Ashley.

Back in the main living area, I settled into a high-backed chair that dominated the space like a lesser throne. The ostentatious display of wealth surrounding me felt foreign—Leonard's tastes ran to the excessive in every way. I needed to make this space mine, and quickly.

"Ashley," I said, watching her inspect a particularly hideous golden statue, "tomorrow you'll oversee moving our things here and getting these apartments set up properly."

She turned, eyes lighting up with barely concealed satisfaction, auburn hair catching the light from the chandeliers. "Of course, Prince husband. I'll ensure everything is arranged to your exact specifications. Everything?"

"Everything. I want no trace of Leonard left." I shifted my gaze to Tiffany and Adelia, who stood with perfect posture near the fireplace. "I expect you both to cooperate fully with Ashley's renovations. She has full authority over the renovations."

Adelia’s smile remained fixed, though her eyes flashed. "Of course, Prince Husband. We live to serve your pleasure."

"We would never presume to obstruct your wishes, Prince husband," Tiffany replied, her voice honey-sweet but her eyes cold.

"Good," I nodded. "Once the apartments are properly arranged, you'll both accompany us to the House of Stars after I complete my dungeon business."

Adelia's composure cracked slightly. "The House of Stars? Your... other residence?"

"My primary residence," I corrected. "You'll need to become familiar with it, as you'll be expected to fulfill certain social obligations there."

"As you command, Prince husband," Tiffany said, the words clipped despite her smile.

"We're honored by your consideration," Adelia added, though her tight expression suggested otherwise.

I stood, signaling the end of our discussion. "We'll return tomorrow with our belongings. Until then, you may continue your normal routines. with one exception I do not allow those under me to be hurt, that includes slaves."

“We understand Prince husband… And are not prone to the same behaviors as the late prince.” they each said and both curtseyed perfectly, the movement so synchronized it must have been practiced countless times. "We await your return with anticipation, Prince husband."

"Rachel, Ashley," I said, turning toward the door. "Let's return to our apartment."

The walk back to the elevator was silent until the doors closed behind us. Then Ashley exhaled dramatically, slumping against the wall.

"Fucking hell, I need a bath after that," she muttered. “Way to just drop all of that in my lap Prince husband.” Ashley teased.

“Oh, I knew you could handle it and honestly, I would not know the first thing about getting that place to feel more. well, more like home or anything except weird, gilded wealth and polished shit.”

Rachel smirked. "They thought they'd be running the royal apartments like their own little fiefdom. I almost feel sorry for them."

"Almost," I agreed, feeling the tension drain from my shoulders as we descended toward our current apartment. "I'm not looking forward to living with them."

"At least the apartments are large enough that we won't have to see them constantly," Rachel reasoned, straightening her uniform.

"And I'll make sure our section is properly separated from theirs," Ashley added, her mind already working on the logistics.

"Those two are terrified," Rachel said, her voice tight.

"Good," Ashley snapped. "They should be."

I shook my head. "Not good. Terrified people are dangerous. They'll do anything to protect themselves. And I am not like that, fear at the beginning will get the gears moving, but long term, that is no way to live. Have they always been like that? So bitchy?"

Ashley's expression softened unexpectedly, her sharp edges dulling as she leaned against the elevator wall. "They weren't always like this," she admitted, surprising me. "Tiffany used to be... well, still stuck-up, but in a harmless way."

"Remember when we were children?" Rachel said, her voice taking on a nostalgic quality I rarely heard from her. "At Lady Rosewood's summer estate? Tiffany organized that ridiculous treasure hunt."

A smile tugged at Ashley's lips. "Gods, we were what, twelve? She hid clues all over the gardens and made us compete in teams."

"And you cheated," Rachel pointed out.

"I improvised," Ashley corrected, her eyes dancing with the memory. "Tiffany was furious, but then she laughed about it later. She used to know how to laugh at herself."

I watched them both, seeing a side of this relationship I hadn't considered before. "So what happened?"

Rachel's face darkened. "Leonard happened. Two years with him changed them both."

"Adelia was always following Tiffany's lead," Ashley continued, "but she used to be more... genuine. We were rivals, yes, but it was friendly competition. We'd try to outdo each other at balls, with spells, with fashion—but there were lines we didn't cross."

"The first year they were with Leonard, we noticed the changes," Rachel said quietly. "They became more withdrawn at social functions. Their barbs got sharper, more personal."

"And the look in their eyes changed," Ashley added, her voice dropping. "There's a hardness there now that wasn't before. Whatever Leonard did to them..." She trailed off, shaking her head.

The elevator doors opened to our floor, but we lingered inside for a moment longer.

"Do you think they can come back from it?" I asked, thinking of the fear I'd seen in their eyes.

Rachel exchanged a look with Ashley. "Maybe. If they're given the chance."

"And if they want to," Ashley added, though her tone was less certain. "It's been a long time since they were those girls we grew up with."

We stepped out of the elevator, walking slowly back to our apartment. My mind churned with this information. I'd been thinking of Tiffany and Adelia as enemies, obstacles to be managed. I hadn't considered them purely as victims of Leonard's cruelty, women who might have been warped by their experiences with him. sure, they were still nobles and filled with the entitlement and shitty behaviors found all over the empire, but the cruelty sounded new.

"I'm not saying we should trust them," Ashley clarified, reading my expression. "Just... I don't know. Maybe we shouldn't write them off completely."

Rachel nodded thoughtfully. "They were calculating and ambitious even before Leonard, but not cruel. Not like they’ve become."

"The past two years, they've been particularly vicious toward us," Ashley said. "Spreading rumors, undermining our reputation whenever possible.”

I thought about the terror in Tiffany's eyes when I mentioned the House of Stars, the way Adelia had flinched slightly at certain movements. The signs were there if you knew what to look for.

"Do you think they can change back?" I asked, my hand resting on the door handle.

Rachel and Ashley exchanged a look loaded with years of shared history.

"People don't just change back," Rachel said carefully. "But they can heal, given time and the right circumstances."

"And if they want to," Ashley added. "That's the key. They have to want it."

I pushed open the door to our apartment, letting Rachel and Ashley enter before me. The warmth and familiarity of our space washed over me, a stark contrast to the ostentatious royal apartments we'd just left.

Sasha looked up from where she'd been arranging books on a shelf, her tails swishing questioningly. Faith emerged from the kitchen with a tray of drinks, her pink hair bobbing as she moved.

"How did it go?" Milly asked, bouncing on her toes.

I sank into my favorite chair, letting the tension of the day drain from my shoulders. "About as well as could be expected. We move tomorrow."

"They're scared," Rachel added, accepting a drink from Faith. "Hiding it well, but terrified."

"Good," Sasha muttered, then looked embarrassed. "I mean—"

"I know what you mean," I said, smiling at her. "But fear isn't the foundation I want to build on."

Ashley sprawled across my lap, her head resting on the arm of the chair. "I'm going to miss this place," she said, trailing her fingers along my thigh. "It was our first real home together."

"We'll make the royal apartments ours," I promised, stroking her hair. "Even if I have to tear out half the walls and that ridiculous mirrored ceiling."

Rachel laughed from where she sat cross-legged on the floor, sorting through a stack of grimoires. "I vote we start with those restraints. Unless you had plans for them, Eric?"

"Only if they're for Tiffany and Adelia," Ashley muttered, then caught my expression. "Kidding. Mostly."

The apartment bustled with pre-move activity. Faith and Strafa were carefully packing dishware in the kitchen. Milly had taken charge of organizing the clothing, her bovine strength perfect for handling the heavier trunks. Sasha moved methodically through the rooms, ensuring nothing would be left behind.

"It's our last night here," I said, the realization settling over me like a heavy cloak. "Our last normal night."

"Normal?" Rachel arched an eyebrow. "When have our lives ever been normal?"

I conceded her point with a smile. "Fair enough. Our last night in our first home, then."

As the evening deepened, the frantic energy of packing gave way to a quieter, more reflective mood. Strafa and Allie prepared a simple dinner from the remaining food in the pantry. We gathered around the table—not just Rachel, Ashley and me, but all of our household—sharing the meal and memories of our time in these rooms.

"Remember when you first brought us here?" Sasha asked, her voice soft as she looked around the apartment. "I was so terrified."

"And now?" I prompted.

Her tails swished contentedly. "Now I know I'm home, wherever you are."

Milly nodded sagely, her chestnut curls bobbing. "Home isn't the walls, it's the people. Though I wouldn't mind those fancy gold walls," Milly added with a grin, earning chuckles from around the table.

After dinner, the packing resumed, but with less urgency. I found myself wandering from room to room, touching doorframes and window ledges, committing the feel of this place to memory. This apartment had witnessed my transformation from confused Earth man to Exalted Prince. These walls had sheltered us through conspiracies, assassination attempts, and the forging of bonds that defied the empire's rigid hierarchy.

In my bedroom, I found Sasha carefully wrapping the few personal items I kept on my nightstand. "Master Eric," she acknowledged, her ears perking up. "I've almost finished here."

I sat on the edge of the bed, watching her methodical movements. "Are you worried about tomorrow?"

She paused, considering my question with almost confusion. “No, Eric. I’ll be with you. As long as I’m with you I know it will be okay. At least I know you will do your best.”

The confidence in her tone, the way her blue eyes found mine with the surety of the sun rising in the morning put any worries I had to ease. “I will.”

The night came, and all of us piled into my bed not wanting to find the comforts of sleep alone. Limbs crossed and flesh mingled, not in the heated eroticism of passion, but in the comfort of the family and life we had found her in these walls. one last joining beneath blankets to find the harbor of slumber under twinkling stars.