Exalted Champion: Ch 12 (rough draft) (Patreon)

Chapter 12: Dinner Dangers

We stepped from the gilded elevator and into the main chamber of the royal apartment level. The guards stood to either side of the door to my new apartment. Rachel took my arm, and we walked forward and through the massive double doors of our new apartment at the imperial mage college.

Ashley rushed forward as soon as we entered, her bright auburn hair bouncing around her shoulders. Her face lit up with genuine pleasure at seeing us, though I caught the tightness around her eyes.

"You're back!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a quick embrace before turning to Rachel. "I was beginning to worry. The royal apartments are mostly ready, though I've had to make some compromises with the existing furniture."

Behind her, Faith, Brie, Allie, Milly and Sasha stood in a neat row, all dressed in matching forest green uniforms with my house sigil embroidered over their hearts.

Sasha's bell jingled softly as she dipped into a curtsy, her four tails swishing gracefully behind her. The vest she wore was tight and her chest threated to spill out, and the short green skirt she wore did not strictly match her white and blue hair coloring, but she was beautiful any way. Millys curves and chestnut curls were done justice by the tight shorts she wore and halter top. It appeared Ashley knew I would want to take these two with us on our outing to the college wharf.

"Welcome home, Master," they chorused, the practiced synchronization somehow not diminishing the genuine warmth in their voices.

I let my gaze travel across the entryway, noting the changes Ashley had already implemented. The gaudy gold fixtures had been replaced with silver, and the garish paintings of Leonard's hunting trophies were gone, replaced with landscapes that reminded me of the view from the House of Stars.

"You've worked miracles," I said, squeezing Ashley's hand. "It already feels less like a mausoleum."

Ashley leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Tiffany and Adelia are in their rooms with their slaves, getting ready for dinner. They've been surprisingly... compliant." She pulled back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I may have helped them understand their new position in our household."

"I'm dying to hear how you managed that," Rachel murmured, a smile playing at her lips.

"It involved a very detailed explanation of imperial inheritance law and a rather graphic description of what happens to acting wives who displease their prince," Ashley replied with a wink. "I can be quite persuasive when necessary."

"I've been on the receiving end of that persuasion," I said dryly. "It's terrifying."

Ashley laughed, the sound bright in the formal space of the apartment. "Come now it’s not that bad. both of you go get ready and we’ll head to dinner.”

Rachel and I retreated to the master suite, where our evening attire had been laid out with meticulous care. The rich emerald, green doublet complemented my house colors, and Rachels dress looked stunning as it lay lifeless on the bed. I could tell once she wore it and filled it with the movement of life, I was not going to be able to take my eyes off her elegant form.

Rachel slipped into her gown, a flowing creation of midnight blue silk that caught the light like water under moonlight as Rachel moved. The gown carries a faint scent of lavender, as if it had been stored in a drawer lined with the fragrant flowers. knowing Ashley that is precisely what she had probably done. my clothes smelled of ceder and spice. As she slid her arms into the midnight blue silk, she became a goddess emerging from a pool of shimmering fabric, her every movement a graceful dance.

"Help me with the clasp?" she asked, turning her back to me.

I secured the delicate silver chain at her neck, my fingers lingering against her skin. "You look breathtaking," I murmured, pressing a kiss to the sensitive spot below her ear.

Rachel shivered, leaning into my touch. "We don't have time for that now," she whispered, though her voice carried regret. "The others are waiting."

We made our final adjustments, Rachel checked her armor and weapons hidden in her own storage, I checked that my spatial ring was secure on my finger. With one final glance in the mirror, we headed back to the main greeting room.

The sight that greeted us was a study in power dynamics. Ashley stood in the center of the room, resplendent in a gown of deep burgundy that set off her auburn hair. Her posture was relaxed yet commanding, one hand casually holding the gold chains attached to Sasha and Milly's collars. The two slaves stood slightly behind her, their eyes downcast in perfect submission, though I caught the slight quirk of Milly's lips that suggested she was enjoying the theatrics.

Tiffany and Adelia flanked Ashley at a respectful distance, their expressions carefully neutral. Tiffany wore a silver gown that might have been deliberately chosen to complement my house colors, while Adelia's black dress seemed designed to fade into the background. Both women's hair was arranged in elaborate styles that must have taken their slaves hours to perfect.

"Ah, there you are," Ashley said, her smile warm but her eyes sharp. "We were just discussing the dining options at the Mermaid's Bounty. Apparently, they're known for their shellfish."

The tension in the room was palpable, though carefully masked beneath layers of aristocratic politeness.

"Exalted Prince husband," Tiffany said, dipping into a perfect curtsy. "You look most distinguished this evening."

Adelia followed suit, her movements a mirror of Tiffany's. "We are honored to accompany you tonight."

Their synchronized deference was almost comical. Whatever Ashley had done to tame them, it had clearly been effective. I offered my arm to Rachel, who took it with practiced grace.

"Shall we?" I asked, addressing the room at large.

Ashley smiled and handed Sasha's and Milly's leashes to me. "I believe they belong with you for the evening, my love." Her fingers brushed mine as she transferred the delicate gold chains, the touch lingering just enough to send warmth through my hand.

"Thank you," I said, feeling the slight weight of the chains. Sasha's bell jingled softly as she moved closer to me, her four tails swishing with barely contained excitement.

We moved as a procession toward the elevator, a spectacle of power and hierarchy that would make any imperial noble proud. I led with Rachel on my arm, Ashley following closely at my side. Behind us came Tiffany and Adelia, with Sasha and Milly trailing at the proper distance.

The massive golden doors of the elevator slid open silently, revealing the mirrored interior that multiplied our party into infinity. As we stepped inside, I caught Tiffany's reflection watching me with an intensity that her carefully neutral expression couldn't quite mask. She looked away the moment our eyes met in the mirror.

"The Mermaid's Bounty has a private dining room overlooking the harbor," Ashley said as the elevator began its descent. "I've arranged for us to have it exclusively tonight."

"Excellent," I replied, noticing how Adelia tensed slightly at Ashley's casual display of influence. "I could use a good meal after today's... activities."

Rachel's fingers tightened on my arm, a silent acknowledgment of all we'd discovered at the bank. "Fresh air will do us all good," she agreed.

The elevator chimed as we reached the main floor, the doors sliding open to reveal the grand foyer of the college tower. Evening had settled over the campus, the enchanted lamps casting a warm golden glow across the polished marble. Students and faculty moved through the space, their conversations creating a gentle hum that filled the cavernous hall.

All talk ceased as we emerged, heads turning to watch our procession. I felt the weight of their stares, curiosity, envy, and assessment as we crossed the foyer. The crowd parted before us like water around the prow of a ship, bows and curtsies following in our wake.

We passed through the massive bronze doors of the college tower and into the cool evening air. The sky above was painted in deepening shades of purple and orange as the sun sank toward the horizon. The path before us led down to the wharf, where lanterns were already being lit along the boardwalk.

The college wharf and marina stretched out into the bay and along it’s shore, fine crafted stone with regal buildings restaurants, shops, and taverns catering to the tastes of nobles and wealthy students lined the walk on the port side letting the starboard side of the marina have an unobstructed view of the waters of the imperial bay. The statues of Ack, Allyestra and Sispssie, along with Roxclue sat proud at the entrance to bay, the light of the fading sun casting them in brilliance as Sippsie descended toward the base of the god head Acks cock.

The sea of stars breeze carried the scent of adventure and spices as we made our way down the marina's polished walkway. Lanterns swayed gently overhead, casting dancing shadows across the cobblestones. Sasha and Milly walked obediently behind me, their leashes light in my hand. Milly's eyes darted excitedly between the ships and stalls while Sasha maintained her perfect poise, though I caught her nostrils flaring slightly at the enticing aromas.

We reached The Mermaid's Bounty after a short walk. The restaurant rose three stories above the wharf, its facade adorned with intricate carvings of sea creatures and mythical beings. A doorman in deep blue livery bowed deeply as we approached.

"Exalted Prince Grayson," The maitre d' intoned, "Your reservation awaits. Please, follow me."

Inside, the restaurant hummed with activity. Nobles and wealthy merchants dined at tables draped in fine linen, while servers moved with practiced efficiency between them with a skill only the system could grant. The doorman led us past the main dining area to a private staircase, its railings carved to resemble twisting seaweed.

We ascended to the upper level where a hostess waited outside an ornate door. She bowed and pushed it open, revealing a private dining room that took my breath away. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed view of the bay, where the last rays of sunlight painted the water in shimmering gold and crimson. The imperial statues stood sentinel at the harbor entrance, their massive forms silhouetted against the darkening sky. Ships bobbed gently at their moorings, their lanterns beginning to twinkle like earthbound stars.

"Your private dining room, Exalted Prince," the hostess said, stepping aside to allow us entry.

The table was already set with fine porcelain and crystal that caught the light from enchanted lanterns floating near the ceiling. A bottle of wine chilled in a silver bucket, and the air smelled of fresh flowers and sea salt.

"Will this be satisfactory, Exalted Prince?" the maitre d' asked, gesturing to a table set with fine silver and crystal.

"More than satisfactory," I replied, handing him a gold coin. "We're not to be disturbed except for service."

He pocketed the coin with practiced smoothness. "Of course, Exalted Prince.

"This is perfect," Ashley said, her fingers brushing the hostess's arm in thanks. "We'll begin with the house specialties."

The hostess bowed and withdrew, closing the door silently behind her.

As the door closed behind him, I felt the tension in the room shift. We were alone now, no prying eyes to perform for. I released Sasha and Milly's leashes, watching as they moved to stand against the wall, assuming the proper position for slaves in a dining establishment such as this. They would quickly duck under the table if I wanted servicing or I directed them to stimulate on of my acting wives.

"The view is magnificent," Rachel said, moving to stand by the glass. The fading light caught in her dark hair, illuminating hidden strands of blue.

"One of the best in the city," Ashley agreed, joining her. "I thought we could all use something beautiful after the chaos of moving."

I helped Rachel and Ashley into their seats before taking my place at the head of the table with the best view of the bay.

Tiffany and Adelia settled into their seats with careful precision, their movements synchronized in a way that suggested hours of practice. The silence stretched for a moment, filled only by the gentle lapping of waves against the wharf below and the distant calls of seabirds returning to their roosts.

"The accommodations at the royal apartments are quite satisfactory," Tiffany said finally, her voice carefully modulated. "Lady Ashley has shown remarkable... efficiency in organizing our living arrangements."

Adelia nodded, her dark eyes fixed on the table setting before her. "We are grateful for the consideration shown to our personal effects and slaves."

I caught the slight emphasis on 'consideration' and wondered what exactly had transpired during Ashley's 'very detailed explanation.' The transformation in their demeanor was so complete it bordered on the surreal.

"I'm pleased you find everything acceptable," I replied, reaching for the wine bottle. "We're all adjusting to new circumstances."

A soft knock at the door announced the arrival of our servers, a dozen young woman in the restaurant's blue and silver livery. They entered with practiced grace, carrying a tray of appetizers that filled the room with the rich scent of garlic and herbs.

"The chef's selection of shellfish to begin," she announced, setting small plates before each of us. "Fresh from this morning's catch."

As she worked, I noticed Sasha's nostrils flare slightly at the aroma, her tails twitching with interest as if she was barely able to stop herself from diving in. Milly pressed her lips together and scrunched her nose clearly fighting the urge to comment on the smell of the food. okay sea food is off the table for Milly. Both however maintained their proper positions against the wall, though I could sense their curiosity about the proceedings.

I sampled the dish, the flavors bursting across my tongue. Fresh, briny, with undertones of garlic and wine. "Exceptional," I said, and meant it.

"The Mermaid's Bounty has always been one of my favorite establishments," Ashley said, delicately extracting meat from a shell. "They source their ingredients directly from the fishing boats each morning."

Tiffany looked up from her plate, her blue eyes meeting mine briefly. "Prince Husband, may I ask how your business at the bank concluded today? I’ve heard of your talk with, Octavian."

her question was innocent enough, but something in her tone set me on edge. "Satisfactorily," I replied, keeping my voice neutral. "Leonard's affairs are more complicated than expected, but nothing I can't manage."

"Of course," she said quickly.

I caught Rachel's subtle glance, her fingers tightening slightly on her wine glass.

Adelia leaned forward slightly. "Perhaps we could help with sorting through his personal effects? Women often notice details that men might overlook."

The persistence was interesting. Adelia seemed unusually interested in Leonard's possessions, though she was trying to hide it behind wifely concern.

"That's very thoughtful," I said, setting down my fork and studying both women. "But I've already gone through everything of importance. Rachel assisted me." I watched their faces carefully as I spoke. "Leonard's vault contained the usual collection of weapons, gold, and... personal correspondence. Nothing that requires additional sorting."

The disappointment that flashed across Adelia's features was quickly masked, but not quickly enough. Tiffany's expression remained perfectly neutral, though her fingers tightened slightly around her wine glass.

"Personal correspondence can be so illuminating," Tiffany said with forced lightness. "One learns so much about a person's character from their private letters."

it was very odd, Adelia was disappointed she would not get access to the items. Tiffany almost seemed to be offering a hint or something.

Ashley's laugh was like silver bells, but there was steel beneath it. "Oh, I'm sure Eric has no interest in Leonard's old love letters or gambling debts. Such tedious reading." She took a delicate sip of wine. "Much better to focus on the future than dwell on the past, don't you think?"

"Absolutely," I agreed, changing the subject and grateful for Ashley's intervention. "The past is settled. I'm more concerned with establishing myself properly as prince and ensuring the empire's interests are served. speaking of the future, tomorrow we shall head once more into the dungeon. all of us, excluding my new acting wives." I said, Adelia did not look pleased at that notion while Tiffany ate and gave no hint of change about her internal feelings, that is if she even had any about the subject.

Odd. The word kept coming to mind as I ate. Dinner progressed with the same strained politeness, each course bringing new delicacies and subtle probing questions from my new acting wives. I kept my answers vague and redirected, when necessary, all while watching their reactions. Tiffany maintained her perfect mask, but Adelia's composure slipped occasionally, revealing flashes of frustration.

The conversation drifted to lighter topics as we continued our meal. Ashley regaled us with stories of noble gossip, skillfully drawing Tiffany and Adelia into discussions of fashion and upcoming social events. Rachel occasionally caught my eye, silent communication passing between us about the strange tension surrounding Leonard's vault and possessions.

As the last plates were cleared away, I noticed the subtle shift in Adelia’s posture was a calculated relaxation that didn't quite reach her eyes. Something about her attentiveness to my vault visit nagged at me, but I filed it away for later consideration.

"I believe it's time we returned to the apartments," I announced, pushing back from the table. "It's been a long day for all of us."

Ashley signaled for the bill and I paid while I collected Sasha and Milly's leashes. Sasha's bell jingled softly as she moved to my side, her tails brushing against my leg in a touch so light it might have been accidental. Milly's warm eyes found mine, her generous curves shifting beneath her uniform as she assumed her proper position.

The walk back to the college was quiet, the evening air cool against our skin. Stars had emerged above us, pinpricks of light in the velvet darkness. Tiffany and Adelia walked several paces behind us, their whispered conversation just beyond my hearing.

Our procession back to the college tower mirrored our arrival—stately, measured, drawing eyes as we passed. The night had fully descended, the enchanted lamps along the wharf creating pools of golden light that guided our way. The sea breeze carried the scent of salt and distant rain, promising a storm by morning.

The royal apartments welcomed us with warm light and the subtle scent of beeswax candles. As we entered the grand foyer, I turned to Tiffany and Adelia.

"Thank you for your company this evening," I said, my tone formal but not unkind. "It was a wonderful dinner. I'll see you both in the morning."

Tiffany curtseyed, the silver fabric of her gown catching the light. "Good night, Exalted Prince husband. We are grateful for your generosity and consideration. If there is any part of our bodies that would bring you pleasure do not hesitate to use us fully."

"Indeed, Exalted prince husband, any part at all," Adelia echoed, her dark eyes unreadable as she dipped into her own curtsey. "Sleep well, Exalted Prince."

They retreated to their wing of the apartment, their slaves following silently behind them. I watched until they disappeared down the corridor, their perfect posture never faltering.

When we were alone, I released Sasha and Milly's leashes. Sasha's bell jingled softly as she straightened, her tails swishing with relief.

"Come," I said to my wives and slaves. "Let's retire."

The master suite had been transformed in our absence. Fresh flowers scented the air, and the massive bed was turned down invitingly. The windows stood open to catch the night breeze, gauzy curtains billowing gently.

Milly moved immediately to help Rachel with the fastenings of her gown, while Sasha attended to Ashley. I loosened my collar, watching as the women moved around each other with practiced ease.

"Finally," Ashley sighed, kicking off her shoes. "I thought they'd never leave us alone. at least they won’t be going into the “dungeon” with us." her tone made it clear we should wait until tomorrow when we were in the dudgeon to speak freely.

Rachel moved to the windows, checking that the curtains were fully drawn. "The stars are quite beautiful tonight," she said casually, her fingers lingering on the heavy fabric. "But I think I've had enough of being on display for one evening."

I nodded, understanding her meaning.

Ashley stretched languidly, her burgundy gown shifting with the movement. "I'm looking forward to our expedition tomorrow. It should be fun.”

We all shed our clothes and collapsed onto the bed, falling into a heap of tangled bodies and tired limbs.Ashley slipped beneath the covers next to me, hair spilling across the pillow in a wave of auburn. Her perfume, something floral with a hint of spice, filled the air; it was so familiar it wrapped around me, easing some of the tension in my chest."You're thinking too loudly," she murmured, pressing her warm body close. Her fingers wandered across my chest, drawing lazy, soothing patterns.Rachel curled up on my other side. Her skin felt cool against mine. "We all need sleep," she said, though her eyes were restless and unconvincing. "Tomorrow will bring its own challenges."Milly and Sasha joined us, settling in and completing the tangle, the press of soft limbs and even breathing pulling me steadily toward sleep.