Garion’s gaze swept across the crowds that kneeled as they walked past. He’d come all this way and there was no way he was going to lose his pay to some random thug. The city of Millia was alive with chatter. Townspeople talked with each other as they went about their day, merchants bartered with their customers, guards joked and laughed as they went about their patrols. Speeders rode down the streets, covered by the towering shadows of the skyscrapers above them. It was too much for him to keep track of. He kept his hand close to his pistol, which was sitting snug in its holster. As they continued to walk down the bustling streets, he could feel the odd looks the people were giving him and Tei. He didn’t have to worry about it for too long, however, as when they rounded a corner they faced their destination.

The palace was a large, grand structure, with tall spires reaching much higher than the other buildings. The gate that surrounded it looked more like it was decoration than to keep people out. The two guards standing watch at the gate shifted into attention as the princess approached. They heaved the gate open and the trio walked in. Garion looked back as the gate squeaked shut behind them. They strolled along the stone pathway through the front garden, filled with flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Another pair of guards at the front door stood at attention and opened the ornately carved silver door.

The palace was just as grand on the inside as it was on the outside. The large main hallway branched off into several smaller corridors, which all lead to different places. The princess led them through the long, winding hallways, navigating them with ease. They approached the door to the main throne room, and the guard that was standing watch held up his hand for them to stop. Garion heard voices inside the chamber.

“I still need time to make a decision. However, the Obsidian Coalition has helped us in the past, and that won’t go unnoticed. I will inform you when I make my decision, until then, you are dismissed.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

The doors heaved open and a snow elf dressed an Obsidian Coalition officer’s uniform marched out, with a soldier on either side. The princess exhaled heavily as she stepped into the large throne room. Inside, the planet’s king, Lorsan, lounged on his throne as he spoke in a low tone with one of his advisors. One of the guards standing next to him leaned in and whispered, pointing at the three newcomers. Lorsan looked up, and his expression lit up with joy.

“Ah, Rania! My beloved daughter has returned. Tell me, how did your trip go?”

She motioned for Garion and Tei to stay where they were, and she stepped forward a few feet. “We were attacked by rebels the whole way back,” she answered.

Lorsan looked around with his brow raised. “What of the guards I sent with you?”

“All dead father, the two mercenaries were the only ones to survive.” She looked back at the two men.

He rose from his throne and descended from the elevated platform it rested on. He walked past Rania and stood face to face with Garion and Tei. “So it seems I have you to thank for my daughter’s safe return then,”

Garion held back a snide remark about the guards’ incompetence, at least until after he got paid. “No need to thank us, your majesty,” he said.

Lorsan smiled. “A man of humility I see. That’s a good trait.”

Rania scoffed, still looking at the throne.

Lorsan looked over to the advisor he was speaking with earlier and nodded. He walked over to the two mercenaries, holding a small metal card in his hand. Garion and Tei, each extended their arms, revealing the chips on the underside of their wrist armor.

“As agreed upon 5,000 credits each. I will think of you the next time I need services from men of your caliber,” Lorsan said.

The advisor waved the card over each of the chips on their wrists, and a high-pitched beep confirmed it.

Garion smiled.

“Thank you, your majesty,” He turned around and made his way to the door, and Tei gave Lorsan a small bow before turning to follow.