Page 54 of Grimoire Omens

We saw no one on our way down the staircase, nor did anyone loiter in the kitchen. We passed a bowl of fruit left out on the counter, and even though I recognized none of the colorful globes, I snatched something yellow and bit into it before Gryvak could stop me.

“You’d better not get any juice on your dress,” was his only warning before we stepped out of a kitchen door into a courtyard, where an enclosed carriage awaited along with four of those fancy six-legged beasts to pull it.

A footman—at least I think that was what you called the dude in the fancy suit—opened the door and offered me a gloved hand. A tiny stool gave me the leverage needed to get inside the fancy box. Smaller than my cell, but nicer by far with plush velvety seats and windows with the curtains drawn. The moment I sat down, I yanked the fabric so I could see out outside.

Gryvak sat across from me, regally dressed in black trimmed in green to match my dress as if we were a couple attending a fancy ball. If my dream could be believed, that might actually be the case. I spent the trip gawking out the window. The streets, the people, the buildings. Everything looked so wonderful and vibrant after my stint in the basement.

The carriage clattered through the cobbled streets, heading for the citadel. Up we went, the path to the massive palace winding and sharply inclined. We hit a few checkpoints along the way. Each time the carriage stopped Gryvak exited only long enough to exchange a few words and hand over a jingling bag. Bribery alive and well in a different dimension. Couldn’t say I was all that surprised. Shadow Elves and humans had more in common than they probably realized.

At the final gate, I truly thought Gryvak might finally get arrested, for he ended up in a heated argument with the guards, but three bribery pouches later and we entered the main courtyard of the king’s citadel. One of many carriages, as it turned out, waiting their turn to disgorge the occupants.

As we inched forward, Gryvak finally addressed me. “We are at King Urieus’ palace, which means I will be divested of my dagger, but don’t think that leaves me defenseless. If you step out of line, you will be punished. You will walk by my side, in silence. If anyone addresses you, ignore them.”

“Is someone afraid I’ll make a scene and get them arrested?” I taunted.

“I’m giving you warning. Disobey it at your own peril, but realize, you’re a human about to enter the Eastern King’s personal domain. Misbehave and it won’t be me putting you in your place. There isn’t any love for outsiders here. I’ve been gentle with you so far.”

“Gentle?” I snorted.

“More so than they would be, so it would behoove you to follow my orders.”

“And how will they react when you force me to kill the king?” my blunt riposte.

He made a tsking sound. “I never said you’d be killing him.”

“I know you want his throne. You were exiled and sentenced for punishment for trying to steal it.”

“Because I didn’t have the proper tools, but now that I have you, everything has changed.”

I snorted. “No one is going to believe I’m a threat.”

His lips had a secretive smile I didn’t trust. “Because you’re not. However, I am, and before the evening ends, everyone will be bowing to me.” The door opened, and a male elf in a black uniform trimmed in silver awaited our exit from the carriage.

Gryvak emerged first and then turned to offer me his hand. As I stepped out, I heard someone gasp and mutter, “The traitor dares to show his face, and he’s brought a round ear to the palace!”

Guess my captor might not have been lying about how people felt about humans. Although was round ears really the best insult they had?

As we walked up a wide set of polished white stone steps, I muttered, “We’d have drawn less attention if you’d had your ladies hide my ears and caked me with gray makeup.”

“Concealing your nature would defeat the purpose of this excursion. Now be quiet. I wish for us to make a grand entrance.”

I don’t know if we looked grand, but we certainly drew attention. We entered the palace, with its impressive vestibule that arched several stories overhead. To the left and right, staircases angled upwards, each level ringed by a balcony from which people observed those arriving.

Only an idiot wouldn’t notice the hum went from low and bored to excited, high-pitched whispering. Like in my dream, I kept my head high and ignored the fragments that reached my—round and very cute—pierced ears. None of it flattering, except for one male who said, “I hear the human females from Earth have the tightest cunts.” Not exactly the greatest compliment, but it beat those who exclaimed over my juicy booty, those who sniffed and waved asking about the stench, and one woman who loudly stated, “You can dress a human in finery, but they’re still primitive scum.”

Ironic coming from folks who didn’t have any technology and still followed an archaic caste system.

The throne room looked exactly like it had in my dream. Gleaming white stone for the walls, ceiling, floor, and pillars. The only color came from the female elves dressed even fancier than me—with their bodices extremely low cut. How come my neckline hid my cleavage when most every other woman in the place practically had their melons spilling out?

Then again, I didn’t need my boobs on display, seeing as how everyone already stared. They also had lots to say, not just about me as it turned out, but Gryvak too.

“The traitor must be here to grovel for forgiveness.”

“In that case. he should have brought a better tribute.”

“Do you think the king will smite him before the dancing begins or after?”

“His appearance better not delay dinner. I hear chef made her famous pastry for dessert.”