Page 81 of Shrine of Fire

The tallest of the three men nodded solemnly. “We are honored to meet such august persons. If you will allow us to escort you to the Jeweled Palace, we will bring you to Duke Antu, long may he reign.”

Baylin’s serious look faltered. “Is none of you a member of the Duke’s family?”

The man to the left shook his head. “The Duke eagerly awaits your arrival, and has waived his custom rights in order to allow you time to get settled after your long journey.”

Baylin flushed but recovered quickly. “I see. Lead the way.”

I tried to hide my amusement at Baylin’s failed plans at making himself seem important to the Duke. We loaded into an ornate carriage pulled by black and white striped horses and took in the city.

It was hot, busy, and loud. I loved it. Hashir kept grinning, pointing things out about the city. There were very small shrines to spirits built into most of the important buildings. Nothing like the actual Shrines, but places where people could come to pray.

“I had no idea you were so well traveled,” Lord Baylin said, looking at Hashir with curiosity.

“Traveling merchant and all.” Hashir grinned. “I have also worked with the Order of the Silver Lion many times to coordinate the safe travels of omegas to the Sanctuary.”

“Yes.” Lord Baylin looked thoughtful. A chill ran down my spine at the look. I didn’t want Baylin noticing Hashir in any form. “You were quite instrumental.”

Stefan must have felt the same because he nodded at Baylin. “I realize it’s not our custom, but I would feel more comfortable with you introducing Nova and I to the court.”

Only a slight widening of his eyes betrayed Baylin’s surprise. “I would be honored, of course.”

We arrived at the palace and were shown to our quarters. I had a lavish suite that was large enough for all of us, while Baylin and the royal entourage had their own quarters.

We bathed and dressed in the clothing they provided. It was the softest silk. I’d never felt anything on my skin that didn’t annoy me at least a little bit. Until now. I couldn’t stop touching the fabric.

Cuan looked completely out of place in his green silk robes, but it clung to his massive frame in a way that made me wish I had more time.

Finally, a servant came to retrieve us. Stefan gestured for Lord Baylin to go first, and I squeezed my fiancé’s hand at his stroke of genius.

The palace was beautiful, and the atmosphere was enhanced by the hypnotic sound of running water all around me. The golden stone set the mood to one of comforting warmth, and the furniture and decoration made it feel like I’d stepped back in time to a different place.

I’d expected a massive throne room, but instead we were led to a comfortable sitting room. Plush couches, overstuffed chairs, and ornate lacquered tables made the room feel homey.

One of the large tables had a massive spread of food on it, and my stomach rumbled.

A group of Tolagians sat on the couch, but when we entered the room, they stood up.

A heavy-set man in the center took a step forward. Even if he hadn’t, I could have pegged him for the Duke judging by the necklace of gemstones the size of eggs. He gestured with his palms up, like the statue, and smiled. “Welcome to our humble city of Tolaga. I am Duke Antu, and I welcome you as honored guests.”

“It pleases me to introduce the Crown Prince Stefan and Princess Callenova of the Shrine of Everlasting Fire,” Lord Baylin said, with a low bow.

“I hope you do not think me rude,” the Duke looked between me and Stefan. “I did not bring my aide with me to introduce myself. I thought you might prefer something without pomp and circumstance.”

“Of course not,” Stefan said. “We quite appreciate the familiarity of the circumstances.”

Duke Antu gestured for us to sit, so we arranged ourselves on a long couch.

Stefan introduced the rest of the men and nodded at the Duke. “We are all pleased to meet you.”

The Duke nodded at each of my men in turn as they were introduced and turned back to Stefan. “I hope your trip was pleasant. Please help yourselves to the refreshments.”

The Duke smelled of banana and wood, nice enough, but nothing that drove me crazy like Cuan.

I let Baylin and Stefan do the talking while I made plates of food and passed them around. I was supposed to be charming and graceful, but I was tired. Scraped clean of any extra energy I could muster. Part of me thought they were lucky I’d left my room at all.

In addition to bananas, mangos, and passion fruit, there was some sort of yellow paste wrapped in a banana leaf, fried balls of rice and cheese, fish grilled with onions, peppers, and sweet potatoes in a white sauce. Stefan asked about the city, how life was here, and about the Duke’s personal interests.

Duke Antu made polite conversation. He wasn’t animated and warm, though he wasn’t rude either. It was as though we were distant relatives that needed to be treated with proper respect, but he wasn’t particularly enjoying the visit either.

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