Chuck was still nervous about his meeting with the royals so didn’t sleep very well and got up early. After breakfast, the guild master summoned him so Chuck went to his office. Kizx went over the do’s and don’ts when appearing before the royal family, which Chuck was thankful for. It didn’t sound like Tess accompanying him would be a problem. Kizx asked how he was getting along with Tessetty which embarrassed Chuck. Kizx laughed and wished them well but reminded Chuck that shape shifters couldn’t give him a child. Chuck had already figured that much out but didn’t really mind. It seemed he was destined to be the only human in this world but he was ok with that if Tess was around.
After meeting with the guild master, he put on his dress clothes and went to his pickup. Chuck decided to listen to music and try and relax before the carriage arrived. Tess met him there not long after. She was a cat girl again but not in maid clothes this time. If he remembered correctly, it was a shrine maidens outfit. It didn’t take long before she grabbed his arm and morphed into a beautiful blonde elf girl in a green dress and braided hair. Chuck didn’t think he would ever get used to her transformations. “Are you ready to get your reward hero?” She said grinning. “I guess. Wait, did you just speak English?” He asked, wide eyed. “We did hold hands all day yesterday so I was able to learn it through your memories and our bond.” Tess replied proudly. “Our bond? You mean we’re bonded now?” Chuck asked gulping. “Yup, you’re stuck with me. Unless you don’t like me?” She said batting her eyelashes at him seductively. “No, that’s great. I mean I do like you.” Chuck stammered. “Good. Now, I think it’s time to go.” She said, turning to the door as a well dressed lizard person arrived.
They both got in an ornate white carriage with a gold crest on the side. There was no draft animal so he thought it must be an actual magical carriage. There was no coachman in the front and the footman seemed to ride on the back. Chuck wasn’t sure if the footman controlled it or if the carriage just knew where to go. The inside was just as fancy as the outside. Tess snuggled up next to Chuck who tried not to stare at her pointy ears. He kind of wanted to touch them but restrained himself. “Have you ever met any of the royal family?” He asked “No, but members of our clan are employed as body doubles for both the royals and high ranking families.” She replied casually. He had a pleasant time chatting with Tess which helped ease his anxiety. That is until they arrived in front of the massive castle where it came back in full force.
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They were led inside, but instead of going to a waiting room they were taken to a hallway which ended in elaborately decorated doors with the same crest on them. The hallway was lined with statues and paintings of important looking people. Chuck of course had no idea who any of them were. They were then told to wait to be introduced. The castle was mostly white on the inside as well with gold here and there. They didn’t have long to wait before the doors opened. Chuck heard them call his name and say he was an otherworlder. Tess was just identified as his companion. They entered a narrow room flanked on either side by well dressed people sitting on benches with guards stationed around them. At the end of the room was a raised platform with the expected thrones. Chuck and Tess walked down the aisle between the benches and stopped in front of the platform. Chuck kneeled and then waited for the king to allow them to look up like Kizx had told him.
“You may rise. Otherworlder, I have heard much about your accomplishments both here and in Axtol. The kingdom is in your debt, as am I. I wasn’t told there were two otherworlders however.” The king said, looking at Tess. The king was another dragon person with red scales and three horns and was at least 8 feet tall. Sitting in a smaller throne next to the king was the queen or that’s what Chuck assumed anyway. She had blue scales, two horns, and was only 7 feet tall. Both were dressed in flowing robes and draped in gold jewelry. A gold feathered owl person who was standing beside the king whispered in his ear. “Ah, I see. You are indeed fortunate otherworlder. Many try to woo one such as this but few succeed.” The king said grinning. “Yes, I feel lucky as well.” Chuck said, glancing at Tess who winked at him.
“Now, for all your heroic deeds you will receive a monetary reward and I will grant you my favor, which will give you safe passage and free entry anywhere in the kingdom. I have spoken to Kizx and you will also receive honorary membership to the alchemy guild.” The king said while three servants approached Chuck. The first one handed over a heavy bag of coins. The second one handed him a gold ring with a crest on it that matched the design he had seen all over the castle and on the carriage. The third handed him a scroll which he assumed was the guild membership. The ring was several sizes too big but when he touched it, the ring glowed and shrank to fit his finger. Magic sure was convenient, he thought again. “I humbly accept the offered rewards and will continue to serve the kingdom.” Chuck said, bowing deeply. Kizx had coached him on that part as well, so he hoped he had pulled it off. “Very good. There is one last thing I would like to discuss with you otherworlder.” The king said, looking at him with a serious expression. Chuck started swearing in his mind. He knew things were going too well. There was always a catch.