AllFreeNovel
Share Us
DAISY
The walls of the castle are all stone, but there are a few long, navy tapestries that run from floor to ceiling. Staff, centaurs, a few minotaurs, and other monsters I can’t name, bustle about as they start their morning chores. A minotaur dressed in a plain gray gown is dusting things in the hall. A centaur with a bright red mane and a simple black shirt pushes a cart of food. The monster with orange, snake-like eyes and a faint ripple of brown scales down either of its arms is carrying a large basket of laundry to be washed. They’re all so busy they simply spare Orcus a hurried bow before scurrying along. Orcus isn’t offended and I’m glad he’s not the type to demand they show him proper respect.
Despite my claim of being tired, part of me wishes we could spend all day exploring the castle. It’s not traditional per Earth’s standards, but even I can tell this place was built for a king. Gold isn’t dripping from the walls. Instead, there are ornate decorations with various gems and multicolored glass sprinkled throughout. The vases on excessively tall pedestals hold fresh flowers and fill the castle with the faint scent of lavender and jasmine, and the intricate carvings along the top of the walls are beautiful enough to warrant admiration.
“What about Prometheus and Harald?” I ask once we’re safely away from the heat of the king’s glower.
“Callum and Zyla will take them to my suite.”
“They will?”
Orcus nods. “Callum spoke into my mind.”
“That’s… a whole new meaning to intrusive thoughts.”
“He doesn’t do it often. My father doesn’t really like the magic folk, but he shouldn’t hurt them.”
“Shouldn’t?” I squeak. “We have to go back.”
Orcus arches an eyebrow. “They may be small, but Zyla and Callum are forces to be reckoned with. My father would be foolish to take them both on at the same time.”
“So… you want to take the—”
“We’ll talk about that later,” he cuts me off. “There are too many listening ears.”
Right. In all my books, court life is always alight with gossip. I wouldn’t expect it to be much different in real life.
Orcus has a suite of five rooms. A small gathering of guards jolt to attention upon our arrival. Three minotaurs and two gargoyles. The minotaur on the right opens the double doors to a room, blanching at the sight of Zyla, Callum, Prometheus, and Harald.
“How—”
“They’re fine. Leave us.” Orcus marches into the room.
The warlock smirks at the guards and twists his hand in the air, manipulating the wind and slamming the doors in their faces.
Orcus carefully sets me down and Prometheus zooms at me.
I catch the dragon with a laugh. “I’m sorry I left without you.”
Hungry,it says, golden eyes shimmering.
“We’ll get food soon.” I smooth my hand over the blue scales and glance at Zyla. “Thank you for bringing my friends.”
Zyla waves off my appreciation. “It was no problem. Orcus, do you mind if I stay for a bit to help Daisy adjust?”
“Not at all. You can stay in one of my rooms.” Orcus glances at the warlock. “I guess I’ll see you soon.”
“Indeed. It seems I’ve been dismissed,” Callum says with a grin but there’s traces of sadness in his eyes as he glances at Zyla. “Besides, there’s a sick witchling in need of my services. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.” He turns to me and bows. “Princess.” He swirls his hands around and disappears, leaving behind a fine silvery mist.
I suck in a breath. “Holy crap.”
“He’s a show off,” Zyla mutters.
“Kind of cute though,” I say, waggling my eyebrows at the witch.
She scowls at me. “If you’re into arrogant and self-centered.”
“Nah. Grumpy is more my style.”
