Exalted Champion: Ch 7 (Rough Draft) (Patreon)

Chapter 7: A New Dawn

I opened my eyes to the dark of the room, the hush of sleeping breath, and the tangled warmth of soft skin. For a full minute, I couldn’t remember whose arm wrapped across my chest, whose thigh draped over my hip, whose body heat pressed into my side. Honestly, it's all wonderful. Each… my mind drifted along the rolling current of wakefulness and drifting back to sleep.

It clicked into place, alertness along with the realization of which perfume was which. As if the thought was all my mind was waiting for. Rachel had wormed herself into the crook of my arm, face buried in my chest, lips parted in that soft, unconscious pout she only gave up to sleep. Ashley sprawled on my right, back bare and exposed, hair splayed in a red-auburn river, pooling in the hollow between her shoulders. Her hand rested, fingertips just under my ribs. The simple touch of those long accustomed to sleeping next to each other.

I slipped out of bed with practiced care, working myself free finger by finger so neither wife would stir. Milly was still asleep, but Sasha and Strafa were up. Faith was up also, but Allie and Brie still curled around their mistresses.

I padded naked to the window and moved the curtain. The city was silver-blue and silent, the sun crawling just above the bay. Far below, porters were already moving crates through the quad, boots thudding a rhythm against the flagstones. It was an imperial morning, businesslike, inevitable, and a little grim considering everything I knew was taking place below the tower.

My underwear was right where Sasha always left it, folded sharp and neat at the foot of the bed. I pulled it on and headed out to the main room. The smell of cossa hit me first. The dining table had been packed, but the cossa table was laid out with plates for breakfast.

Sasha was in the kitchen helping Strafa, four tails swaying in time as she poured cossa into the mug I liked. She wore nothing but a sleeveless tunic, her tails and ears the only color against her soft white skin and white hair. Her eyes met mine, blue on blue, and she dipped her head, a playful bow that enticed my mind with the smile she gave me. “Good morning, Master Eric. Mmm, cossa is ready.” Her voice was soft, content, and filled me with love.

“Good morning, Sasha, Strafa. Did you sleep well?” I asked as Faith came from Rachel's room, the last of the crates that would be taken to our new apartment in her hands.

“I always sleep well next to you,” Sasha said, bringing me the cossa as I sat in the large chair I liked.

Faith bounced over to me, pink hair dazzling in the morning. She wore little, plump breasts and a tone ass covered in loose morning clothing. “That was the last of it; we’re officially ready to move.” She said, biting her lower lip and bending over, full breasts and erect nipples a feast for my eyes in the morning. "The porters say they'll be here within the hour."

I sipped my cossa, savoring the rich, bitter heat as it warmed my throat. "Good. Let's make this transition as smooth as possible."

Faith nodded, her pink elven ears perking up. "Shall I wake the others?"

"Let them sleep a bit longer," I said, watching as the first true rays of sunlight began to spill through the window. "This is the last peaceful morning they'll have in this place."

Sasha knelt beside my chair, resting her head against my knee. I stroked her ears absently, feeling the silken fur beneath my fingertips. Her presence was a comfort—steady, unwavering. My mind drifted to the challenges ahead: Tiffany and Adelia, the royal apartments, the growing corruption in the dungeon, the Emperor's demands.

"You're worried," Sasha observed, her voice barely above a whisper.

I didn't bother denying it. "A lot is changing, Sasha. And change is rarely simple."

"We're with you," she replied, leaning into my touch. "All of us."

The sound of shuffling feet drew my attention. Milly appeared in the doorway, yawning widely, her bovine features soft with sleep. Her chestnut hair stood in wild disarray around her horns, and she wore only a thin slip that did little to conceal her curves.

"Morning," she mumbled, making a beeline for the cossa. Strafa handed her a steaming mug, which she accepted with grateful hands.

"Sleep well?" I asked.

Milly nodded, taking a long sip before answering. "Until the bed got cold. You left early."

"Couldn't sleep," I admitted. "Too much on my mind."

"The new apartments?" she asked, settling into the chair across from me.

"Among other things." I set my mug down on the small table beside me. "I need to visit the vault today, after we've moved and I’ve finished in the dungeon. I need to see what Leonard left behind."

Milly's eyes widened slightly. "Alone?"

"No. I'll take Rachel with me. She knows more about magical artifacts than I do."

The smell of breakfast drew closer as Strafa emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray laden with fresh bread, fruit, and strips of cured meat. My stomach growled in appreciation.

"The last meal in our first home," Sasha murmured, her tails swishing slowly behind her.

I squeezed her shoulder gently. "But not our last meal together."

The sound of a door opening pulled my attention away. Rachel appeared, wrapped in a blue silk robe that matched her eyes, her dark hair tumbling loose around her shoulders. She looked rumpled and warm from sleep, softer than she ever allowed herself to appear in public.

"Morning," she said, padding over to where Strafa had laid out breakfast. Her voice carried that husky quality it always held in the mornings, before she fully woke and assembled her usual intellectual composure.

"Sleep well?" I asked, watching as she accepted a mug of cossa from Sasha.

"Better than expected, considering." Rachel settled onto the sofa, tucking her legs beneath her. "Though I kept thinking about those mirrors above Leonard's bed. We're definitely removing those first."

"Already on Ashley's list," I assured her, taking a bite of the warm bread. The taste was simple, comforting—a stark contrast to the elaborate meals we'd likely face in the royal apartments.

"Speaking of Ashley," Rachel said, glancing toward the bedroom, "should someone wake her? The porters will be here soon."

"Let her sleep," I decided. "She'll need all the energy she can get to manage the move and deal with Tiffany and Adelia."

Rachel's lips curved into a knowing smile. "She's actually looking forward to it, you know. The chance to completely redesign those apartments, to put her stamp on everything. It will be a chance for her to showcase her skills at home-making and in the royal apartments. It’s a big deal for her.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing what she does with the place. Right now, it definitely does not feel like home.” I said.

"It needs to be ours," Rachel agreed, sipping her cossa. "Those apartments are so... Leonard. Everything about them screams excess without taste."

I nodded, breaking off another piece of bread. "The royal apartments need to feel like us, not just look like wealth vomited all over everything."

Faith appeared with the Imperial Tribune, placing a copy beside each of our places at the table. "Just arrived, Master Eric."

I took the newspaper, unrolling it on the table between us. The crisp scent of fresh ink filled my nostrils as I spread it flat.

"Anything interesting?" Rachel asked, leaning forward to peer at the headlines.

"Let's see..." I scanned the front page, my eyes catching on the bold print.

Imperial Tribune: October 22, 3212 T.E. Harness (Friday)

PRINCE GRAYSON MOVES TO ROYAL QUARTERS

Screamed the headline. Below it was an artist's rendering of the royal apartments—how they'd gotten that, I had no idea. The image showed the ornate facade of the third level, with a smaller inset sketch of me from the arena, sword in hand.

"They work fast," Rachel murmured, brow furrowing. "How did they even know?"

"The college administration probably leaked it," I replied, flipping to the article. "Makes for good imperial gossip."

Rachel slid closer, her thigh pressing against mine as she read over my shoulder. Her scent—a mixture of sleep-warm skin and that faint lavender oil she used—was distracting in the best possible way.

"Listen to this," I said, reading aloud:

"'Sources close to the college administration confirm that Exalted Prince Grayson will take possession of the royal apartments today, consolidating his position among the imperial elite. The move comes mere days after his unprecedented victory in the Einvigi Holmga, where he claimed not only the title of Prince but also two additional noble wives.'"

Rachel snorted. "Additional noble wives. As if Tiffany and Adelia were prizes instead of people."

"Welcome to imperial reporting," I muttered, continuing to scan the article. "Oh, this is rich: 'Court insiders speculate that the new Prince will host his first formal reception at the House of Stars within the month, an essential step in establishing his place in imperial society.'"

"We haven't even discussed a reception," Rachel frowned, reaching for another piece of fruit.

Ashley glided from my room, silk robe with flowers, a brilliant flash of life on her begrudging awake face. “Did I, Awah, hear that right?” She asked, letting out a yawn as she came a flopped down on a seat. Strafa had a cup of cossa in her hand before morning grogginess could claim another victim.

“Yeah, they announced our acquisition gala, essentially giving us a deadline.” Rachel seemed more than a little put off by this.

“Oh, don’t make that face, Rach, it was bound to happen when we did not make the announcement ourselves. At least I’ve been making preparations, so we’re not caught flat-footed.” Ashley said, slumping back into her seat.

I read the rest of the imperial tribune newspaper, taking in the different stories the paper thought important.

NORTHERN SAVAGES ENCROACH ON CONTESTED LANDS

The long-ignored menace of the northern free lands has once again shown its fangs. Reports confirm that barbarian raiding parties have breached the Northwest Contested Zone, striking at settlements and overwhelming scattered outposts. Kilna, already lost months ago, remains in savage hands, its noble overseers disgraced, executed, or sold.

Imperial observers warn that the tribes grow bolder, their raids more organized, their numbers swelled by victories against lesser lords. Refugees pour southward, spreading tales of burning villages, stolen daughters, and desecrated shrines. “These are not the old raids of a few horsemen,” one Tribune correspondent reports. “This is the creeping tide of barbarism.”

Whispers from the palace suggest the Emperor himself is weighing candidates for a new noble overseer to reclaim Kilna and restore order. Until such a decision is announced, brave legionnaires hold the line, ensuring that the savages do not crawl further into the Empire’s light.

-JOIN THE IMPERIAL LEGION! BECOME A HERO TO ALL CITIZENS! —SIX GOLD COIN SIGNING BONUS — ONE GOLD COIN A MONTH!-

-MAXIMUM’S SLAVE SCHOOL: TURN WORTHLESS STOCK INTO USEFUL TOOLS.-

-THE TIRED CHILD: CLOTHING, TOYS, AND ACCESSORIES FOR ALL FREE CITIZEN CHILDREN-

FREE ISLE PIRATES UTTERLY DESTROYED OFF WINTER COAST

The scourge of the Free Isles once more tested the might of the Empire—and once more, they were annihilated. Reports confirm that three pirate war-galleys attempted to intercept a transport convoy bearing over two hundred slaves destined for the port city of Gray Storm. The attack, occurring amidst heavy seas and freezing winds, might have spelled disaster for lesser fleets.

But under the watchful command of Duke Wintershore, the Imperial Navy struck like a hammer of Ack’s divine wrath. Three Imperial destroyers intercepted the pirate vessels, their ballistae and flame-tubes rending hulls and setting decks ablaze. Eyewitnesses claim the engagement lasted less than half an hour, with not a single pirate left alive to crawl back to their den of thieves.

The slave cargo—composed of northern barbarians, condemned criminals, and feral beast-kin—arrived safely in Gray Storm the next morning. Citizens cheered the navy’s triumph as the captives were paraded to auction.

“The sea itself bends before the Empire,” one witness declared. “Let no man, beast, or barbarian doubt it.”

-NEW SLAVES ADDED EVERY DAY, HILLBRIGHT’S SLAVES! ARE YOU TIRED OF THE CHAFF? BEST-TRAINED SLAVES IN THE CAPITAL! COOKS, MAIDS, ARTISANS, AND MORE! THE GOLDEN COLLAR IS HERE TO SERVE.-

SOUTHERN ALLIANCE SURGES AFTER DECISIVE VICTORY!

From the battlefields of the fertile valleys comes news that the Southern Alliance of Alada and Ashmont has secured another victory against their northern foes, Hammond and Setten. The battle—already being called the Clash at Red Vale—saw thousands dead and the northern coalition in retreat.

Imperial watchers confirm that the Southern Alliance’s strength lies not only in its superior numbers but also in the fiery morale of its troops, who march under the banners of newlywed royals Princess Tanya Alada and Prince Quinten Ashmont. Their survival of repeated assassination attempts has transformed them into living symbols of defiance, stirring their armies to fight with renewed savagery.

Analysts warn that the war is far from decided, but momentum clearly favors the South. Rumors even circulate that southern scouts have begun probing deep into Setten’s borderlands, threatening to push the front northward for the first time in decades.

Imperial citizens can rest assured, however, that the Empire’s northern passes remain untested. The legions stationed at Saltum and the Winter Shore stand vigilant, ready to repel any kingdom foolish enough to bite at the Empire’s steel. Long live Emperor Amulius Tagin, long live the Empire!

-JOIN THE IMPERIAL LEGION! BECOME A HERO TO ALL CITIZENS! — SIX GOLD SIGNING BONUS — ONE GOLD A MONTH!-STONE AND TIMBER: THE BEST IN HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION. OUR FREE CITIZENS AND SLAVES WILL DILIGENTLY BUILD OR REMODEL ANY BUILDING.-

Ashley groaned after reading her own copy of the Tribune, scanning the article that mentioned us. Her fingers traced the artist's rendering with a critical eye.

"The artist made your nose too sharp," she muttered, then brightened as she read further. "Though they did mention our House of Stars by name. That's good publicity—we couldn't have paid for better placement."

Rachel spoke, "Well, at least they got the basics right. Though I'd love to know who their 'court insiders' are." Her finger traced the lines about our move to the royal apartments. "Vultures, all of them, waiting to see how we'll handle the transition."

"They always get just enough right to make the lies seem plausible," I said, reaching for more bread. "Makes me wonder what else they're fabricating."

Ashley's eyes caught on the northern territories article. "This bit about Kilna is concerning. The Emperor leaving it open this long isn't like him."

Rachel leaned forward, her silk robe slipping slightly off one shoulder. "I've been thinking about that. The Emperor doesn't leave positions of power vacant without reason." Her eyes met mine, sharp with calculation. "He might be saving it for you, Eric."

I nearly choked on my cossa. "Me? I just became a prince. Why would he—"

"Because you've proven yourself useful," Rachel said simply. "And because putting you on the northern border would keep you far from the capital, where you can't threaten his power directly."

"But close enough to the barbarians to potentially die gloriously for the empire," Ashley added dryly. "Very convenient."

We can worry about Kilna later," I said, setting my empty mug down. "Right now, we need to focus on today. What's our plan?"

Rachel straightened, slipping back into her efficient self. "The porters arrive within the hour. We supervise the move to ensure nothing is damaged or left behind. Once everything is at the royal apartments, Ashley takes charge of the setup. You're heading into the dungeon this morning with the titan’s shield? To collect our needed materials?”

“That's right, I also need to make a weapon, and not just any, it’s going to have to be made with adamantium. At least part of it.” I said not sure how we were going to manage that, so far all we could do was make the needles with it.

Rachel waggled her head from side to side, “We could make something, I’m sure of it. Let’s start with five and five, five coins for needles for the Emperor, and five for your weapon.” She said, biting her lip as she nodded.

“Ugh, that means I’ll have to kill that thing ten times today.” I was not thrilled about that, but when you have the fate of the world resting on your shoulders, you do what you must.

“You can do it, and after the royal apartments will be all set up and we can go home to the house of stars,” Ashley added with a whence of sympathy lacing her words.

“I should look at the vault also, need to find out what is in there,” I mused.

“I can go with you, after the dungeon?” Rachel asked.

“Yeah, that sounds good. Ashley, make sure that Tiffany and Adelia know they are not just allowed to roam around the home freely, find them rooms and restrict their movements to the main house, but don’t let them go snooping around.” I said.

“Oh, you can count on it. Until I’m convinced, they have had a change of heart, I will be keeping a very close eye on them.” Ashley said with a confidence that let me know she had those two well in hand.

I nodded, watching as Faith began gathering the breakfast dishes. "And tomorrow we start working on the needles for the emperor and diving deeper into the dungeon."

"One thing at a time," Ashley cautioned, stretching languidly. "Let's get through today first."

A firm knock at the door announced the porters' arrival. Faith hurried to answer it, returning with four men in college livery, their expressions carefully neutral.

"Exalted Prince," the lead porter said, bowing deeply. "We've come to assist with your relocation to the royal apartments."

I nodded, gesturing to the stacked crates. "These are ready to go. My wives will direct you."

Rachel and Ashley rose, immediately taking charge. Rachel began instructing the porters on which crates contained fragile items, while Ashley supervised the order in which they should be moved.

I went to my room with Sasha and got into my armor. I had a nasty little abyssal dungeon vault garden to kill, over and over and over. Fuck I really hate that thing. I can’t wait to be able to purge it from this world completely.