Chapter 32 – Mistress of the Baths

When James arrived at the baths, he saw several dwarves both male and female at the baths. James had built separate baths for men and women plus several private baths. In fact, his main quarters in Sanctuary had separate private luxury baths he could use without being disturbed. However, he felt it best to join these to help the ladies acclimatize to them.

As Godfrey returned with the ladies, James greeted them. “Welcome back. What did you think of the tour?”

“It was wonderful. The materials you possess could fuel so many magical rituals and items.” Anara said in wonder.

“Yes, well the last part of the tour just might be the best part. These baths are separated for men and women. I....” James was interrupted by a nice Dwarven girl. “Excuse me your Majesty.”

“Yes?” James asked.

“If you don’t mind. I can show these ladies around the baths. Our people have gotten most comfortable with the amenities you have created for us.”

“What’s your name miss?” James asked.

“Dolores, your majesty. I have been assigned the role as Mistress of the Baths. If you would allow me, it is my job to tend to the ladies that come here and help show them all that you have created your Majesty.”

“Nice to meet you, Dolores. Your offer is most kind and greatly appreciated.” James said to Dolores.

Turning back to the ladies. “Please follow Dolores and enjoy. Seriously take some time to relax and take a breather. I’ll be with Godfrey and some of the other guys in the baths assigned for the men.” James said before turning around and walking with Godfrey towards where the male dwarves were entering.

“Come ladies. Let Ole Dolores show you around the place.” Dolores beckoned.

————

“This is heaven.” Kira said as she melted into the mineral bath.

“Yes, it’s great for yer skin lass. It took us a bit of time to figure all these different baths out. At first, we couldn’t understand why his majesty built all these different types of baths. Now we just thank the light he did. I use this place every day. My skin has never felt so good! No wonder he be wantin to keep this place a secret. I don’t think even the nobles have it this good.” Dolores said.

“No, I think not, at least not every day. It is a luxury not even nobles can afford every day. My mother and her friends would kill for such luxuries.” Mira stated.

“The Magic to make such things. It boggles the mind. I would spend an eternity with him.” Anara stated.

The girls all looked at Anara with raised brows. Seeing all the girls staring at her, it then dawned on Anara what she said. Waving her hands about, “I meant to study and learn these magics. I didn’t mean it that way!” Anara said while thinking ‘Though of anyone to spend eternity with I would choose him.’

“More reason to protect his secrets.” Rita chimed in.

Rita had already made up her mind about her prince.

“Indeed. Our prince and his secrets must be protected. Far too many would use such things for nefarious purposes.” Kira said.

“Please stop talking...I… am… enjoying...bath.” Aeria barely blurted out before seemingly falling asleep.

“I think the heat is making the air in her head rise.” Mira teased.

“Ha, ha, ha. I liked that one Mira.” Anara chuckled. Anara’s friends noticed that either the prince, these baths, or both were melting Anara’s cold exterior.

“Ha, ha, ha. Good one.” Rita chuckled.

The ladies enjoyed the remainder of their baths, each falling into deep reflection on both their current feelings and best next steps.

After their bath, Dolores escorted the ladies to a grand banquet hall where many craftsmen and their families sat and shared meals together.

“Where are you taking us Dolores?” Kira asked.

“In Sanctuary, the families do what they can to eat as a community. It forces the more passionate among us to take time out of their day to come together and spend precious moments together. For dwarves, it is also an excuse to drink.” Dolores replied, chuckling, as she led them to their seats.

Prince James, Godfrey, Galdren, and a few others sat at the head table. Six empty place settings were set up at the head table. Dolores sat Mira, Kira, Anara, Aeria, and Rita down before taking her place at the sixth empty place setting.

The men rose to their feet and greeted the ladies.

“Welcome ladies.” The men said in unison.

“Did you enjoy the baths?” James asked.

“Oh yes they were absolutely divine.” Kira said with fond memory.

“Once again you impress and go above and beyond.” Mira said.

“They were quite lovely.” Anara replied.

“I have never experienced such a thing.” Rita replied.

“Most relaxing my prince.” Aeria said.

Galdren and several other dwarves nearby seemed to frown at Aeria’s words.

“Did I say something wrong master Galdren?” Aeria asked upon noticing his frown.

“No lass, not really. It is just here in this place; we don’t like addressing his majesty as prince. In the Kingdom of Aerouant, he may be the crown prince but here he is our king and master liege. It just seems wrong to only address him as a prince when standing in all of this.” Galdren said the last part waving his arms to signify the whole room and subsequent realm they were in.

“That is a fair point master Galdren. I will be mindful while in this place.” Aeria replied.

The others around the table nodded their heads in agreement and raised their mugs. “To his majesty! May the light continue to shine through his actions!”

The others in the dining hall echoed this toast once they heard it being said.

“To his majesty! May the light continue to shine through his actions!” The whole hall cheered.

“Interesting toast.” Kira commented.

“Aye lass. His majesty has told all of us to praise God and not him, sayin that’s where his gifts come from. We honor him in this way while thanking the Light for giving us such a man.” Dolores chimed in.

‘At least that is where I hope my gifts come from, cause if the Dark had some hand in bringing me here, I worry what that might mean.’ Prince James pondered before speaking up. “I am sitting right here you know. Let us discuss other topics please.”

“Aye! Stormstout tell the table what ye were sayin to some of us earlier!” Galdren said before taking a big swig of his giant goblet.

‘Seriously how big is that tankard?’ James thought as he saw Galdren down even more mead.

“I was just saying how the mines are yielding some nice stones and gems. We have a pretty nice stockpile of em and our miners are finding more each day.” Stormstout explained.

“Marcia and I have started to cut several of them. Many will work as mana stones and other gems for the crafting of magical items. I’ve have never seen such abundance. So many possibilities.” Anduin said in clear excitement.

“Quite right Anduin! I have used several mana stones in some initial enchanting tests. Never would I dream of the ability to test and experiment with enchanting materials. Such costs would make such things prohibitive!” Neaman said, also clearly excitedly.

“Good! Keep it up everyone! We are building a future here for our families and for our kingdom. Keep looking for good talent and work with Godfrey and Sloane to get them vetted. Together anything is possible!” James said as he raised his tankard.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Here, here!” Several at the table said in unison.

“As I’m sure you’ve already been told, we will be building a teleportation circle to act as a transport hub. After that we will be building an open market. Security is of the utmost priority, and I want the Stalker and Tempest squads to have routine patrols and guard shifts until these are built. Understood?” James said.

“Yes Sir!” Mira and Kira said in unison.

“Now as you have already been told, time works faster here. With this in mind, we will be resting here before returning to the kingdom.” Prince James instructed before turning to his butler. “Godfrey.”

“Yes Master!” Godfrey replied before explaining the sleeping arrangements for his personal guard while in Sanctuary.

“As we have tried to account for all of you, there are a few shared rooms in the interim until private quarters can be established later. Mira and Rita will share a room and Kira, Anara, and Aeria will share the other. Both rooms are close to the Master’s suite in size, so you should be most comfortable. Once we are done eating, I can show you all to your rooms so you can retire for the evening.” Godfrey explained.

—————

The rest of the evening was rather uneventful. The girls asked the conglomerate several questions and the mood remained rather light as laughter could be heard throughout the great hall. Everyone ate and drank their fill before deciding to call it a night. True to his word, Godfrey showed all of them around.

The only commotion that occurred that night was when Aeria tried to sneak out of her room. Anara had frozen the locks and doors shut to ‘prevent intruders from entering’, but the truth was she knew her friend would not pass up the attempt to sneak into the prince’s room.

‘She is so bold. If only I had the Gaul to discard proper etiquette.’ Anara thought while outwardly scolding her longtime friend. “Have you no shame?!”

“Not really, now unfreeze my hand, it is going numb!” Aeria replied.

The next morning, they enjoyed breakfast with the rest of the conglomerate. Galdren and the other members had recruited some farmers and herbalists to help create a series of farms and herb gardens in a section of the cleared plains by one of the rivers. Apparently, the land was rich in nutrients and the farm animals and crops multiplied and grew quickly.

“Thank you for another wonderful meal. Everything was delicious.” James said to Dolores.

“Thank ye, yer Majesty. I have always enjoyed helping with the culinary arts.” Dolores replied with a smile on her face.

“Yes, it is truly amazing what everyone has been able to create here. This meal was delicious.” Kira said.

“Aye lass, yer cookin’ be a treasure for all who get the pleasure to sample it!” Galdren exclaimed.

Dolores blushed at Galdren’s words.

‘Wait… are they an item?!’ James thought before he decided to file that away for later.

After some head nods and words of agreement at how good the cooking was, the craftsmen got up and headed off to start their work for the day.

James stood as well, turning to his knights. “It is time we head back. There is much to coordinate in the kingdom. If any of you wish to return to Sanctuary, please coordinate with your sergeant and Godfrey. Mira and Kira, I expect you two to work out something that is fair and still ensure the construction sites are protected.”

“Understood your Majesty.” Kira and Mira said in unison.

“Also, Galdren told me they plan to establish a guard for here and our construction sites to ensure proper security. Make sure to coordinate with him as needed. You know the risk if anyone found out what we are doing before we are ready.” Prince James stated.

The whole table nodded in agreement.

After they returned to the Kingdom of Aerouant, James decided it was time to have a conversation with his family. Once that was completed, he would finish preparations for starting at the Royal Academy and make a trip to the library.

Exiting his room several minutes before LT Simmons and Sergeant Thorn started their shift, Mira, Kira, and the rest of Tempest squad said their farewells. They felt well rested and knew they had much to do so they made their leave from the suite. LT Simmons was just exiting his room as he saw them all leaving the suite.

“Where are they off to so early?” LT Simmons asked out loud more to himself than Prince James.

Tina exited her room, having already filled Prince James in on her, according to her, very boring evening.

“Good morning your majesty.” Tina bowed.

“Good morning, Tina.” Prince James said out loud before telepathically letting her know his thoughts. “I want you to help protect the construction site and coordinate with Sloane. If anyone if caught poking around, interrogate them if you feel it is more than idle curiosity.”

“Understood, Supreme One.” Tina replied through their Party Link.

Sergeant Callus Thorn, Cooper, Taka, and Muro all arrived a moment later to start their shift, several yawning as they walked into the reception room for the suite.

“Good morning your majesty!” Sergeant Thorn said as he bowed.

The rest of Bulwark squad gave similar greetings.

“Good morning gentlemen and Ms. Anella. LT Simmons I will be attending breakfast with my family and discussing some business. Lieutenant, as you can see…” Prince James said waving towards the doors. “I have ordered Sergeants Nightshade and Lighthope to coordinate guard duty of the construction site down in the Smithing & Military quarter.”

LT Simmons looked confused. “Construction site, your Majesty?”

“Yes, construction site. I have convinced Galdren and several other craftsmen to form a conglomerate and establish a transportation hub in the quarter. As I am a majority investor in this new conglomerate, I have a vested interest in its success. Security and magical warding are required, something the Nightstalker and Tempest squads specialize in. I expect you to resolve any scheduling issues as I will be starting the Royal Academy soon and will not be allowed the current level of guards and protection. Understood Lieutenant?”

LT Simmons did not completely understand and was a bit confused. ‘When did this happen? Has he been planning this? Why didn’t he tell me? Have I lost his majesty’s confidence?’

“Lieutenant...” Prince James called to him to bring him out of his internal thinking. “Lieutenant!”

“Yes, your majesty! My apologies, your Majesty. I still am waking up.” LT Simmons replied.

Turning to Callus Thorn. “Sergeant, can I call you Callus? I may like to give Simmons grief by calling him Lieutenant all the time but as you have already seen I prefer to be a bit more informal when it is just us.”

Sergeant Callus Thorn bowed again to Prince James, “Your majesty honors me. Who am I to say no to such a request!”

“Calm down Callus, you do not need to be so uptight. That is fine when instructing the troops, but it is far too early in the morning for such formalities.”

In a bit more relaxed demeanor Callus Thorn replied, “Understood your majesty. It will take some time for us to get used to how you prefer things. Captain Spears is far more formal when it comes to the knights, so I have tried to be mindful if how I and the squad present themselves in public. However, I have been known to enjoy a good game of cards if his majesty is ever interested.”

That last statement surprised him. Prince James was not expecting Callus to be a gambling man. “I might just take you up on that one of these days.”

“I would not recommend it. The sergeant is rather good. He has cleaned out a few officers and parted several knights from their coin.” Simmons commented.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Now, come, I am hungry and have much to discuss with my family.” Prince James said before exiting the suite and heading to the royal family’s private dining room.

Tina, LT Simmons, and the Bulwark squad followed behind Prince James.

LT Simmons did not fail to notice how quickly the prince changed subjects away from the construction site to something else. ‘I know he has secrets, we all do, but it is clear the prince does not completely trust me. I will have to work harder to further gain his trust.’

After they arrived at the royal private dining room, LT Simmons and Bulwark squad took up guard stations outside to give the royal family their privacy.

Prince James was the first to arrive at the royal family’s private dinner room. Arriving earlier than normal, the servants were not yet ready to serve breakfast. He took his seat, and several servants began rushing to bring out food and drinks.

“Stop.” Prince James said while holding up his hand to catch their attention. “I am rather early this morning. Do not rush on my account. Please go about your normal schedule. I am in no hurry. Also, if Tina can be of assistance this morning, please have her do so.”

Tina took up a standing position behind Prince James. “Yes, whatever I can do to help.”

The head butler bowed and said, “That is too kind of you Prince James. Let us at least bring you some juices while we finish preparing the rest of the food. I do appreciate the offer of assistance, but we should be fine your highness.”

“That is fine. Seriously the one maid looked like she had a heart attack seeing me arrive early and not having food ready. Please convey my apologies for making them worry.”

“Of course. If you will excuse me, my prince, I will convey your kind words. I know they will appreciate it.” The head butler said before ducking back into the kitchen.

“Geez. I’ll never get used to that. I’m not some spoiled rich kid who will throw a tantrum.” Prince James telepathically told Tina as he shook his head.

“They do not know that Supreme One. Besides it is only right that they serve you. They are lesser beings after all.” Tina telepathically replied.

“Oh, don’t you start that nonsense. I appreciate your devotion Tina, I really do. However, it is important you and Godfrey understand that these people have merit and worth. Life has value and I will not just treat people who cannot do what we can as lesser beings.” Prince James replied via their Party Link.

Tina frowned. “I did not mean to displease you Supreme One. You created Godfrey and I; we cherish you for bringing us into existence and giving us clear purpose. Understand that to us, those not created by you will not hold the same weight as something you created.”

“I do not…” Prince James began to reply but Tina quickly continued. “Please let me finish Supreme One.”

“Go on.” Prince James replied.

“Thank you Supreme One. Godfrey and I have spoken at great length telepathically. We both can see how much you value people. Give us time to shift our thinking, it is hard to not see or categorize those around us by degrees of importance. With that said, we can tell these beings matter to you and will do everything we can to be mindful of this. Please accept that you made us to be fierce in our defense of you and that is where this thought process comes from.” Tina explained.

“It was not my intention…” Prince James began before sighing. “Perhaps subconsciously it was when I envisioned you loyal to me above all else. I created you and therefore hold some responsibility to how you are and the ways in which you develop and grow. I will consider your words and take them to heart Tina. Thank you for explaining your feelings.”

“You are most gracious Supreme One.” Tina bowed as she replied.

James didn’t have to wait long for others to arrive. Just as Prince James and Tina finished their telepathic conversation, King Gerald and Queen Sophia walked in holding hands. General Marcus entered a few minutes after James finished greeting his parents and giving his mother a good morning hug.

They greeted Tina, wishing her good morning as well. Prince James had sent Godfrey and Tina to introduce themselves to his family while he was busy bringing some of his knights up to speed. According to Godfrey and Tina, his family seemed to think they had some connection to John and Susan. As such, they accepted them readily.

“Up early this morning nephew. Perhaps some of that early riser can rub off onto my niece.” Uncle Marcus said chuckling.

“Yes, Aurora has never been an early riser, even as a baby.” Queen Sophia said.

“What has you up so early Son?” King Gerald asked as the servants finished bringing out all the food.