Exalted Champion: CH 9 (rough draft) (Patreon)

Chapter 9: Royal Renovation

“Exalted prince husband, we honor and welcome you to your home,” said Tiffany. She wore a flowing gown of pale silver, her blonde hair arranged in an elaborate updo adorned with small diamonds that caught the light. Her face was a mask of polite deference, eyes downcast in a show of submission I'd never seen from her before. Behind her, Adelia stood in a matching pose, her black and silver dress complementing Tiffany's perfectly, as if they had coordinated their attire specifically for my arrival.

"We hope the royal apartments meet with your approval," Adelia added, her voice soft and controlled. Both women sank into deep curtsies, the synchronized movement practiced to perfection.

I blinked in surprise. This was not the reception I had expected. Where were the thinly veiled insults? The passive-aggressive barbs? I searched their faces for signs of mockery but found only careful blankness.

"Rise," I commanded, stepping fully into the foyer.

They stood gracefully, still keeping their eyes slightly averted. The change in their demeanor was jarring. Yesterday, they had been cold and formal. Today, they seemed almost... afraid.

"Your armor shows signs of battle, Prince Husband," Tiffany observed, her voice carrying a note of concern that sounded almost genuine. "May we summon servants to assist you in removing it?"

"That won't be necessary," I replied, studying them carefully. "Where is Ashley?"

"Exalted Lady Ashley is overseeing the final arrangements in the master suite," Adelia answered. "She has been most... thorough in her directions."

I caught the slight hesitation and wondered what exactly had transpired during my absence. Whatever Ashley had done, it had clearly made an impression.

"And Rachel?"

"Exalted Lady Rachel awaits you in the study," Tiffany said, gesturing toward a door to the right. "She mentioned you would be visiting the vault today and has been preparing."

I nodded, still thrown by their deferential behavior. "Good. I'll speak with her shortly."

An awkward silence fell. Tiffany and Adelia remained perfectly still, waiting for direction. The contrast between their current behavior and their previous haughtiness was stark enough to be suspicious.

"You've been cooperative with the changes Ashley is making?" I asked, watching their reactions closely.

"Of course, Prince Husband," Tiffany replied immediately. "The royal apartments are yours to arrange as you see fit."

"The late Prince's... preferences... Were not to everyone's taste," Adelia added delicately. "Your wife's changes are most welcome."

I considered them for a long moment. Their perfect submission felt wrong, artificial. These were not women who surrendered power willingly. Whatever game they were playing, I didn't have time to decipher it now.

"I'll be changing and then heading out again," I said. "Continue assisting Ashley with whatever she requires."

"As you wish, Prince Husband," they answered in unison, another perfect synchronization that didn't feel natural. Their heads bowed again, matching poses of practiced submission.

I left them standing in the foyer and made my way deeper into the apartment, the weight of their odd behavior settling between my shoulders. Their abrupt shift to flawless obedience was too precise, too rehearsed. It was a performance, surely, meant to put me at ease. The only question was why and what they hoped to gain from it.

The hallway leading to the master suite was already transformed. Gone were Leonard's gaudy displays of wealth and hunting trophies. In their place hung tasteful tapestries in warm earth tones, small enchanted orbs casting a gentle golden glow that reminded me of sunset at the House of Stars. The oppressive feeling of the royal apartments was already lifting, being replaced by something that felt more like... us.

I passed an open doorway and glimpsed Faith standing on a small ladder, hanging delicate white curtains that diffused the harsh midday light into something softer. Her round, rosy-cheeked face and bright pink elf hair bounced as she turned at my approach, her full lips curving into a cheerful smile. She wore a loose-fitting blouse and short shorts that clung to her juicy bubble butt, accentuating the petite plump curves of her heritage.

"Master Eric! You've returned!" Her enthusiasm was genuine, a welcome contrast to the strange formality I'd just left behind. "What do you think of the changes so far?"

"It's already looking better," I said, glancing around. "Less like a museum of bad taste."

Faith giggled, climbing down from her ladder. "Lady Ashley has been a whirlwind as usual. You should have seen her face when she discovered the collection of... implements in the master suite. I thought she might set the whole room on fire."

"I'm almost sorry I missed that," I replied, smiling at the mental image.

"The former wives have been very... cooperative," Faith said, her tone shifting slightly. "Almost too much so. It's a little unsettling."

So, I wasn't the only one who noticed. "Keep an eye on them," I said quietly. "I don't trust this sudden change of heart."

Faith nodded, her expression serious for a moment before brightening again. "The master suite is just ahead. Brie and Allie are helping Lady Ashley with the final touches."

I continued down the hall, taking in more of the changes. Small vases of fresh flowers had appeared on side tables, their scent displacing the heavy incense that had dominated before. The marble floors were now partially covered with richly woven rugs in deep blues and greens that cushioned each step.

As I approached the master suite, I heard Allie's cheerful voice and Brie's more measured tones, punctuated by Ashley's decisive commands. The door stood partially open, and I paused to observe the transformation before entering.

The massive, ostentatious bed remained as there hadn't been time to replace it. It was at least now draped in linens of deep forest green and silver, my house colors reimagined in a way that felt like home. The mirrored ceiling was gone, replaced with light polished wood that glowed with the afternoon sun coming in from the windows.

I pushed the door open, and Ashley turned, her face lighting up at the sight of me. She stood amidst a flurry of activity, directing Brie and Allie to hang new draperies. Her auburn hair was tied back in a loose knot, tendrils escaping to frame her face. She wore a simple dress that hugged her curves, sleeves rolled up as she worked.

"Eric!" she exclaimed, dropping the fabric in her hands and rushing toward me. Her body collided with mine as she threw her arms around my neck, pressing herself against my armor. "You're back!"

I wrapped my arms around her waist, lifting her slightly off the ground as I held her. The tension I'd been carrying since my encounter with Tiffany and Adelia began to melt away. "The place looks amazing already, so much more like home," I murmured against her hair.

She pulled back just enough to look at my face, her blue eyes sparkling. "You like it? I've barely started." Her hands cupped my face, and she pulled me down for a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened with hunger and relief.

When we finally broke apart, she was breathless. "You smell like battle and the dungeon. What happened? Did you get the item?"

"Yes," I confirmed cryptically, still holding her close. "It wasn't easy, but the Titan's Shield performed admirably. The guardian is getting more creative with each manifestation—this time it had tentacles with teeth."

Ashley winced, "That sounds horrific. But you’re, okay? No injuries?"

"Nothing that didn't heal," I assured her, reluctantly releasing her to start unbuckling my armor. "Lucius broke his arm, but I fixed it. How are things here? Tiffany and Adelia were... strange when I arrived."

Ashley's expression shifted, a sly smile playing at her lips. "Oh, that. I may have had a little chat with them about expectations and consequences."

Before she could elaborate, there was a soft sound at the doorway. I turned to see Sasha standing there, her white-furred ears perked forward and her four blue-tipped tails swishing gently behind her. She wore a simple blue dress that complemented her eyes, making them appear even more vibrant. Her bell dangling from her gold collar with the red ruby set into the bell.

"Master Eric," she said softly, her voice like silk. "You've returned safely."

I opened my arms to her, and she crossed the room in swift, graceful steps. Unlike Ashley's exuberant greeting, Sasha moved with a quieter intensity, her body fitting against mine. She belonged there, a meshing of body so natural and easy, the world, the universe quieted with her in my arms. I cupped her face in my hands, my thumbs tracing the delicate outline of her cheeks before I claimed her mouth with mine.

She melted into the kiss, a soft whimper escaping her as her hands clutched at my shoulders. There was a vulnerability in her surrender that never failed to move me. A trust freely given despite the collar around her neck. When I finally broke the kiss, her eyes remained closed for a moment, savoring the taste of me.

"You smell like death," Ashley laughed, wrinkling her nose dramatically. "And something else. Did you roll in a swamp before coming home?"

Sasha's nose twitched, her sensitive kitsune senses picking up nuances Ashley’s couldn't. "It's abyssal corruption," she said with a slight grimace. "Like rotting meat left too long in the sun, but... wrong."

I chuckled, running a hand through my sweat-matted hair. "That bad, huh? I suppose fighting an eldritch horror ten times in a row will do that."

"Ten times?" Ashley's eyes widened. "You're lucky you don't smell like a walking corpse."

"I think he does," Sasha countered, her tails swished behind her in amusement. "A very handsome corpse, but still."

I feigned offense, placing a hand over my heart. "Is this how you greet your victorious husband? With insults about his battle aroma?"

Ashley snorted, nudging Sasha with her elbow. "She's being kind. You smell like you bathed in a troll's armpit."

"I'd say ogre," Sasha added thoughtfully, her blue eyes sparkling with mirth. "Definitely ogre. They have that distinct sulfuric note."

"Oh, you're both experts on monster body odor now?" I teased, unbuckling another piece of armor, loosening it.

Ashley flipped her auburn hair dramatically. "I'll have you know I received the highest marks in 'Identifying Creatures By Smell' at the academy."

"A class that doesn't exist," I pointed out.

"Which makes my achievement all the more impressive," she retorted without missing a beat.

I shook my head, feigning offense. "I survived two days of combat with an abyssal monstrosity only to come home and be mocked for my scent. The respect I command is truly awe-inspiring."

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips. "Thank you both for that assessment. The dungeon guardian isn't known for its pleasant aroma."

"And apparently neither are you right now," Ashley teased, fanning her hand in front of her face dramatically. "Gods, Eric, I think it's actually getting worse the longer you stand here."

Sasha's tails swished with amusement, her blue eyes dancing with mirth. "Perhaps Master Eric believes the royal apartments should smell authentic? Like an actual battlefield?"

"Is that what this is?" I gestured to myself with mock offense. "I thought it was the natural musk of heroism."

Ashley doubled over, her laughter echoing through the room. “Brie, Allie, what do you think?”

The two maids giggled from their positions by the windows.

"Very heroic, Master Eric," Allie managed between giggles.

"The most heroic smell in all the empire," Brie added with a straight face that lasted only seconds before dissolving into laughter.

I shook my head, trying to maintain my dignity despite the armor that now felt uncomfortably sticky, as the goop and blood dryed. "Fine, I concede. I'll bathe."

"Please do," Ashley said, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek before stepping back. "Rachel's waiting for you, and I don't think she could withstand this assault on the senses."

Sasha stepped forward, her hands already working at the buckles of my armor with practiced efficiency. "I'll help you, Master. The master bath has been completely redone." She wrinkled her nose again as she removed my pauldron. "And not a moment too soon."

"Lead the way, I surrender to your superior olfactory judgment," I said, surrendering to her ministrations. "Before I'm banished for crimes against olfaction."

Sasha guided me through a door I hadn't noticed before, revealing a bathing chamber that bore no resemblance to the gaudy excess I'd glimpsed yesterday. The massive marble tub remained, but the garish gold fixtures had been replaced with silver. The mirrors that had once lined every wall were gone, replaced with pale blue tile that made the space feel like a secluded pool.

"Ashley worked miracles in here," I murmured, taking in the transformation.

"She had the college servants working on the master room mostly, getting it ready for you, " Sasha confirmed. She worked efficiently, her fingers deft and practiced as she removed each piece. The weight lifting from my shoulders was immediate relief. Each piece came away with the sticky residue of battle, sweat, blood, and things I didn't want to identify. Sasha set each piece aside with care, her movements precise despite the mess.

"The tentacles were worse this time?" she asked, her fingers working at the straps of my breastplate.

“Yeah, teeth. Ugh…” I said with a shudder.

Sasha's ears flattened slightly at that, her concern evident. "You were careful?"

"As careful as one can be when fighting an abyssal horror," I replied, wincing as she peeled the breastplate away from my sweat-soaked undershirt. "Though I think my definition of 'careful' might not match yours."

"Or anyone with sense," she muttered, just loud enough for me to hear. As she worked, I caught her stealing glances at me, her eyes lingering on the places where my undershirt clung to my skin. Her touches, though efficient, carried a tenderness that spoke volumes.

"I was worried," she admitted quietly, removing the last piece of armor. "Even though I know you're strong. Even though I know you've faced it before."

I caught her hand, bringing it to my lips. "I know. I'm sorry for worrying you."

Her tails swished gently, blue tips catching the light. "Don't apologize for doing what must be done. Just... come back. Always come back."

The vulnerability in her voice tugged at something deep within me. I drew her closer, ignoring her half-hearted protest about the smell.

"I will always come back to you," I promised, pressing my forehead to hers. "To all of you."

She allowed herself a moment of closeness before pulling back, her practical nature reasserting itself. "Bath first. Promises second. You really do smell terrible."

I laughed, the sound echoing off the tile, "Ha. That's fair." I walked over to the large waterfall shower, the last of my underclothes falling to the floor.

The torrent of cascading warm water washed filth from me, washed unpleasant memories, and my mind. Cleaning me in a way that no water from earth ever had.

Sasha busied herself with the tub, adjusting the enchanted taps to fill it with steaming water. She added oils that smelled of cedar and mint, the fragrance immediately beginning to combat the dungeon stench.

"Will you be joining me?" I asked, hoping to tempt her as I stepped out of the shower.

She shook her head, though her eyes lingered on my bare chest. "Not today. Your armor needs immediate attention, and Rachel is waiting." Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Besides, you'll need your strength for tonight."

"Is that a promise?"

"It's a certainty." She gathered up the pile of armor, somehow managing to look graceful despite the awkward burden. "I'll have fresh clothes ready when you finish."

With that, she slipped out, leaving me alone with the steaming tub. The water welcomed me, an old friend of cleansing, hot enough to sting but perfect for washing away the accumulated grime of battle. The grim that did not stick to the skin, or hair, but the darkness that clung to the unseen places, the hidden parts of the self that if not washed, that if tended to would leave one a rotting mess eventually.

I sank in up to my chin, feeling the tension in my muscles begin to dissolve. The scent of the oils filled my lungs, replacing the lingering taste of dungeon air. For a few blessed minutes, I allowed myself to simply exist, to be nothing more than a man in a bath, without the weight of titles or the fate of a dungeon and the world resting on my shoulders.

The peace was short-lived. My mind refused to quiet, spinning with thoughts of the day's victories and the challenges still ahead. The ten adamantium coins sat heavy in my storage ring, a reminder of what we'd accomplished and what still needed to be done.

Sasha had left fresh clothes folded neatly on a bench near the door. I dried off and dressed in the simple but elegant attire—dark trousers, a white shirt, and a vest in the deep green of my house colors. The fabric was finer than anything I'd owned before coming to Forduna, soft against my skin in a way that still felt foreign, alien at times.

When I emerged from the bathing chamber, Sasha was waiting, my armor laid out on a table. She'd already begun cleaning it, the worst of the grime removed, though it would take hours to restore it completely.

"Much better," she approved, her nose twitching appreciatively. "You smell like a prince now, not a sewer rat."

"Your flattery knows no bounds," I replied dryly.

She approached with a brush in hand, reaching up to tame my damp hair. Her movements were gentle but purposeful, arranging it in a style that befitted my station. "Rachel is still waiting in the study. She's been preparing for the vault visit all morning."

"Any idea what to expect?"

Sasha shook her head. "She's been secretive. Just said that imperial vaults often contain more than simple treasures."

"Fantastic. More mysteries." I stood still as she made final adjustments to my clothing, straightening my collar, smoothing the fabric across my shoulders.

Her hands lingered on my chest, eyes lifting to meet mine. "Be careful at the bank. Leonard was not known for his straightforward dealings. Whatever is in that vault..."

"...might be dangerous," I finished for her. "I know. That's why Rachel's coming with me."

Sasha nodded, seemingly satisfied with my appearance. "There. Now you look like an exalted prince, not a dungeon crawler." She stepped back to admire her work, head tilted slightly to one side. "Though I prefer you either way."

I caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "Thank you, Sasha. For everything."

Her cheeks flushed slightly, ears twitching with pleasure. "Go. Rachel has been patient enough."

With a final glance at my armor, I now looked considerably less battle-worn thanks to Sasha's efforts. I headed for the door. The hallway outside was quiet, the sounds of renovation having moved to other parts of the apartment.

The study wasn't hard to find. Double doors of dark wood stood partially open, revealing glimpses of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and the warm glow of enchanted lamps. I pushed the doors wider and stepped inside.

The room was impressive, not with the gaudy ostentation that had characterized the rest of Leonard's tastes, but with a quiet, scholarly elegance. Rachel had either changed it, or Leonard had never touched the room from whatever former prince had called this apartment in the imperial mage college home before him. Books lined three walls from floor to ceiling, their spines a rainbow of leather and cloth. A massive desk dominated one end of the room, its surface covered with maps, scrolls, and open tomes.

Rachel stood at the desk, bent over a particularly ancient-looking volume. She wore a dress of deep blue that accentuated her curves while maintaining the dignity befitting her station. Her black hair was swept up in an elaborate style that exposed the graceful line of her neck, making my fingers itch to trace it.

She looked up at my entrance, her serious expression melting into a smile that transformed her face. "Finally. I was beginning to think you'd drowned in the bath."

"Nearly drowned in the smell, according to Ashley and Sasha," I replied, crossing the room to her side.

Rachel laughed, the sound rich and warm in the book-lined space. "I heard them giving you grief. They weren't wrong, I could smell you when you walked by, you smelled like something that died in the abyss."

"Not you too," I groaned, leaning against the edge of the desk. "I've been sufficiently humbled about my post-dungeon aroma."

She closed the book she'd been studying, her fingers lingering on its worn cover. "Did you get what we needed?"

"Ten coins," I confirmed, lowering my voice despite the privacy of the study. "Five for the emperor's needles, five for a weapon. How far do the wards on your desk go? I can feel them here and in the master bedroom, but is the whole apartment warded?" I asked.

“That is good. A weapon, hum. That will take more than a little doing on our part, but we should be able to come up with something. Wards… oh yes, there were not many imperial spy enchantments to circumvent, the entry hall is really the only place they are, and the slave rooms. I guess the imperial is not worried about their prince’s starting a rebellion.”

"That's good to know," I replied, moving closer to examine the book she'd been reading. I glanced at the collection of scrolls and small artifacts she'd arranged. "You've been busy."

"I wanted to be thorough." She met my eyes, her expression serious. "Leonard was paranoid. Whatever he kept in that vault, he wouldn't have left it unprotected."

"Any theories about what we might find?"

Rachel shook her head. "Imperial vaults are completely private. No records are kept of their contents except by the owner. It could be anything from rare artifacts to blackmail material."

"Or nothing at all," I suggested. "Leonard wasn't exactly known for his foresight."

"True, but even the most foolish prince accumulates secrets." Rachel gathered several small items from the desk and slipped them into a velvet pouch. "We should go. The bank closes its private vaults at sunset, and I'd rather not rush this."

I nodded, offering my arm. "Lead the way, wife."

She took my arm, her touch light but firm. "You're learning court manners," she observed with approval. "Soon you'll be hosting galas like you were born to it."

"Don't remind me about the gala," I groaned as we left the study. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around living with Tiffany and Adelia."

Rachel's grip on my arm tightened slightly. "About that... has Ashley told you what happened with them?"

"Not yet. They were suspiciously well-behaved when I arrived."

A sly smile curved Rachel's lips. "Let's just say Ashley can be quite persuasive when necessary."

We moved through the transformed hallways of the royal apartment. The renovation was already taking shape, with Leonard's gaudy decorations replaced by more tasteful pieces that reflected our preferences. The oppressive atmosphere was lifting, room by room.

We passed Ashley in the main salon, directing a group of college servants as they rearranged furniture. She looked up at our approach, a smudge of dust on her cheek making her look endearingly disheveled despite her elegant attire.

"Off to the bank?" she asked, brushing a stray lock of auburn hair from her face.

"Yes," I confirmed. "We shouldn't be long. We will stop by the house of Stars when done then return here for dinner."

"Good luck. I’ll have everything as ready as it can be when you return. Maybe we should go out to dinner if there is time." Ashley's eyes held a hint of worry. "Be careful. Leonard's vault could be... unpleasant."

"We will be, and going out for dinner would be nice, will you find a place for the five of us." I promised, leaning in to kiss her lightly. "Keep an eye on our new roommates while we're gone. Will talk more over dinner."

Ashley's expression hardened slightly. "Absolutely, going down to the wharf will be nice. I’ll see to it that they won't be causing any trouble."

I was still curious about what exactly had transpired between Ashley and Tiffany and Adelia, but that conversation would have to wait.