Disclaimer: I do not own anything (except my OC)
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Flashback"
{Message}
(Telepathy)
*SPELL/ABILITY/MARTIAL ART*
*[METAMAGIC]*
A/N: Chapter 3 Time! If you're still reading, I suppose this story isn't complete shit lol... Hope you enjoy this chapter... pretty much nothing but fluff galore in this chapter... I'm sure it shouldn't come as a surprise to you if you're still reading, but the residents of the Palace of Ascension are going to give Calca a grand welcome... maybe wink wink
Calca had woken up and felt two very opposite emotions when she did. She was incredibly lonely but also had felt lighter than she had in her entire life. She knew the reason for both emotions, Cael.
She would have loved nothing more than to have woken up beside him, but she knew that was unrealistic at the moment. It made her even lonelier than she thought she could be right now.
However, knowing that she would not only see Cael much earlier than she had been but that he was taking her to his home, made her feel like she was walking on air. Even knowing how she felt, Cael's words from last night were truer than she wanted to admit.
Yes, she had been dreaming of him for ten years, but she never expected to fall so hard or so fast as he had. She thought if she ever met her dream king, it would take some time to get to know each other and get comfortable.
However, none of that happened. The first time she laid eyes on him and felt that he was real, she was bound to him. She felt the same need or want or whatever it was telling her that he should be standing right next to her always.
Falling in love with him after just a few words was unexpected as well. She never doubted she would fall in love with him, but how fast was something else entirely. When he revealed himself as an angel, she somehow loved him even more.
Calca was never one to care about race, religion, gender, or any of that. She cared about your character. She was well aware that there were humans who were a lot more despicable than most demi-humans.
'I'm going to have to have Cael tell me the difference between demi-humans and heteromorphs.'
All she did was think about talking to Cael, and it brought a smile to her face. She finally threw her sheets off her and got out of bed. The quicker she got through her day, the quicker she would be going to Cael's home.
When the maids entered to help her dress, she could tell they knew something was up with her. When she told them to preserve the dress she wore last night, she didn't miss the looks the maids gave one another.
There was no reason for them to know why. Not that she had to explain herself to anyone, but they would understand soon enough. Based on the plans Cael told her about last night for the Abelion Hills, soon enough wouldn't be fast enough for her liking.
Cael was hoping all his planning would come to fruition in two weeks, she doubted it would be that fast. She wasn't lying when she told him there were some strong demi-humans in the Abelion Hills. Learning Cael was a Paladin and a Cleric alleviated some of her worries, but not enough of it for her liking.
He may have told her he was both a Paladin and a Cleric, but he never mentioned exactly how powerful of either he was. She guessed he had to be at least somewhat powerful if he could tell the tier range of spells she could cast, but that didn't mean he was strong enough to take out the strongest of the demi-humans if it came to that.
The thought that she could lose him before they could ever truly be together twisted her insides. She was tempted to say, forget everyone I'm the Holy Queen and marry him tonight, but she knew the kind of problems that would bring. It wouldn't just be her either, Cael would catch a lot of it and she was sure the petty lords would drag Kelart and Remedios into it as well.
Calca was pining and worrying so much about Cael, she didn't notice the maids had finished getting her ready for the day. She wore something completely different than her normal white robes and she kept her hair the way she did it last night.
Cael couldn't stop playing with it and commenting on how much he liked it. He probably wasn't even aware of how often he mentioned it or how much he had played with her hair last night. She'd keep it this way for now, well, maybe forever. She did like it like this as well. Cael's reaction just made her want to keep it even more.
Her robes weren't much different than her normal white and blue ones. Even her boots were similar to what she normally wore. However, the white robes she was wearing, had a lot more black than the blue of her normal robes. There was gold stitching woven in to add a little more color, and her normally white and gold boots were replaced with white, black, and gold boots.
Calca took in her appearance in the mirror and was satisfied with it. She normally wouldn't say this about herself or try to dress in such a way, but she felt sexy. She always felt beautiful even if most would call her vain, but she never felt like this.
She really did love her new hair, and the robe she was wearing helped her out as well. She didn't notice at first, but the black and gold touches to the robes accentuated her figure more than her other robes.
Calca heard a knock on her door and knew that could only be one person. That meant it was time to start her day. She prayed for a quick morning and opened the door to find Remedios standing there.
Remedios gave her a strange look as she saw what Calca was wearing today. No doubt it threw her off. Calca had worn basically the same thing every day for the past nine years. It was probably strange seeing her in something different and it more than likely explained Remedios' expression.
"Good morning, Remedios."
"Good morning, your majesty. You look... different."
"It's just us, Remedios. I told you to call me Calca, and thanks. I was going for different."
"I apologize, but the walls have ears, my Queen."
Calca sighs at that. Remedios was right and the rumors had finally gone away. If someone overheard Remedios call her Calca in the palace. The rumors would start again probably even worse than before. Then she smirked and Remedios noticed.
She had no idea what Calca was thinking, but she only ever saw that smirk when Calca had something up her sleeve. Remedios had no idea Calca was thinking of the day when she could kiss Cael any time she wished and never hear another rumor like that about her friends again.
"You are always looking out for me, my friend. I hope someday soon we can truly be friends no matter where we are."
Remedios is a little stunned at Calca's words. She knew the Queen had very few people she trusted and Remedios was happy to be among those she did. She didn't quite get what Calca meant though. She didn't see their friendship being much more than it already was.
Calca was the Queen and always would be if Remedios had anything to say about it. As long as the power struggles remained the same, they could never be friends openly. She wished though that Calca's words came true one day. Calca had been acting differently the last couple of days so maybe she knew something that Remedios didn't.
"I wish for such a day myself, my Queen."
"So, what do we have on the agenda for today? These daily meetings are starting to wear on me. Perhaps I should make them only twice a week or something, especially now..."
Remedios heard her trail off, and she had an idea why Calca was so determined to not hold as many meetings. Calca's birthday was less than a month away. Every noble came to Hoburns every year for the occasion, but it was not welcomed by Calca.
Every year the nobles would try to court her either for themselves or one of their sons. It didn't matter that Calca had told them no more than once. Some, she had rejected upward of ten times but they still pursued their ambitions relentlessly.
Remedios wished there was something she could do for her friend during these times, but she wasn't sure what. If she acted too protective of Calca, they would start their damn rumors again and she couldn't have the Holy Queen's name tarnished in such a way anymore.
"Just the usual, your majesty. Supply lines, taxes, disputes among the city folk to hear. Another day in the life of a Holy Queen, your majesty."
Remedios gives her a small smile to lighten her burden, but it didn't work at all. Calca let out a sigh again and her lips turned down into almost a frown before she said.
"Another day for a lonely Queen you mean my friend."
"I'm sorry I must be so formal with you, my Queen. If only-"
Remedios never got to finish as Calca held up her hand to stop her. Her frown turned a bit. It wasn't a complete smile, but she wasn't frowning anymore.
"It's alright Remedios. That isn't what I was..." Calca stops for a second before continuing. "I'm glad you are here Remedios. If it wasn't for yourself and Kelart, I'd truly feel alone. What I speak of is a different kind of loneliness, my friend."
"You will find him one day, my Queen."
'Oh Remedios, if only you knew, but I still can't have him by my side yet.'
"Of that, I have no doubt." Calca finally smiled. "Let's go get these boring meetings over with, my friend."
Calca and Remedios made their way to the audience hall first. This was the part of the day Calca never thought of as boring. She always sought to help her people solve their problems first thing. Dealing with the commoners of the Holy Kingdom was much preferable than dealing with the nobility in her opinion.
After she had settled a couple of disputes, sentenced a few criminals, approved a few loans, and even blessed a pregnant woman (that was a first for her). Calca and Remedios made their way to the conference room.
This was the part of the day she despised with every fiber of her being. A room full of men who would do nothing but fight her every step of the way, and that was about issues they agreed on in the end. It always disheartened her a little. There was no way she was going to be able to make any of the true changes to the Holy Kingdom she wanted to with these nobles in charge.
She knew she simply couldn't just remove them though as they possessed considerable influence and military power. If her changes were minor and a civil war were to break out, she believed she would win anyway. She knew though, her changes would not be welcome by many and she would more than likely lose that civil war.
The only good part of these meetings is being able to see Kelart. She was always at the temple in the mornings and could rarely attend the audience with the commoners. She always thought of switching the audiences and meetings, but she decided against it.
She really wanted to address the people's concerns first. They were what kept her kingdom going after all, and she needed the pick me up in the morning to be able to deal with the nobles in the afternoon.
She doesn't think she could deal with those nobles that early in the morning. Now was even worse. With her birthday coming soon, there were a lot more nobles in the meeting than there normally was.
As expected, the meeting was a trying experience as it always was. Even the littlest report was met with arguing over what amounted to nothing most of the time. Calca thought the afternoon would never end as she fidgeted in her chair, daydreaming about seeing Cael soon.
It felt like it lasted for years, but then finally, her butler slipped her the note she gave him this morning so she could escape this damn place for a few hours. There was a note, but all it said was; It's time! It was simply a note she had written herself, but now it was time to escape. She stood up abruptly.
"Sorry, but there is something I need to take care of. You all may talk amongst yourselves and leave when your discussion is over."
Calca turned to leave, but Kelart and Remedios both said.
"Is everything alright, your majesty?"
"No need to worry High Priestess Kelart, Grand Paladin Remedios. It is nothing major but I must see to it. I will see everyone tomorrow morning as I believe this will take me all day to handle."
"As you wish, your majesty."
Both Kelart and Remedios answered. They could tell Calca was serious that it wasn't a big deal, but they could also see she was leaving something out. Asking her about it in front of all these power-hungry nobles wouldn't be wise though.
Calca fled the room as quick as etiquette would allow. She wanted to break into a sprint, but they would raise all kinds of suspicions. It would inevitably lead to people coming to check on her and not finding her in the room. Adding an extra minute or two to her walk would be adding hours with Cael so she walked with purpose to her room.
She made it to her apartments and told the maids she would be dealing with business all night and not to disturb her. The moment the door to her bedroom closed, she locked it immediately. She turned to take a seat and wait for Cael only to almost jump out of her skin at someone sitting in a chair in her room.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I couldn't wait to see you and my servants kicked me out so they could surprise me as well..."
Cael said as he stood from the chair. Calca covered the distance in three steps and kissed him. She had been waiting all day to do that, and it never disappointed when she tasted his lips. At first, she thought she imagined that he always tasted like strawberries and sunshine, but now she knew he did.
Saying someone tasted like sunshine probably sounded ridiculous, but it was the best word to describe it. A warmth always spread from her lips to her whole body when their lips met. Sunshine was the only word that came to mind when she thought of it.
When she pulled her lips away, she immediately missed the contact. She gave him another peck on the lips, then another, and another, and another until Cael had received about thirty of them. She finally took a step back after she got her fill, for now at least, but it was Cael who said.
"It is nice to see you too..."
Cael smiled and Calca beamed as well before saying.
"Sorry, I've been thinking of doing that all day."
"I won't deny I thought about the same thing. It was all I could think of while sitting here waiting for you."
"How long have you been sitting here?"
"Hmm, A few hours I think. Not completely sure, the servants were insistent I be surprised as well. I can't say I've ever seen them act like this before."
"Now you're making me nervous..." Calca nervously laughs a bit. "I hope they like me."
"They will love you, my Queen. Of that, I am certain."
Cael wraps his arms around Calca and kisses her brow. If there was one thing he was certain of it was that they would love her. He had never seen the servants so excited before. It was true it had only been days since they actually had expressions, but they were all running around with smiles on their faces when he left this morning.
"I pray you're right, my King..."
Calca couldn't help but capture his lips once more. They had done nothing more than tender kisses. No tongues or roaming hands as they kissed, but Calca had never felt so much passion in a kiss. She could only imagine what that would be like and smiled into Cael's lips at the thought right before they broke apart once more.
"I love seeing that smile." Cael gives her another quick kiss. "You ready to go?"
Calca nods her head ready to finally see Cael's home. What he does surprises her. She had never seen him cast a spell, and on top of that, he cast one she had never heard of before.
*GATE*
A black and purple swirling vortex opened directly in front of them. Calca was a little hesitant about what to do, but Cael grabs her hand to lead her through.
"Don't worry, love. It's safe. I would never let any harm come to you."
With that reassurance, Calca walked through the portal holding onto Cael's hand. When the strange sensation passed, she was standing on a hill overlooking a forest below her. She saw nothing but trees and was at a loss on what to say or do.
She had expected to be standing in front of a palace, or castle as he liked to say, but she wasn't. There was nothing but hills, trees, and mountains off in the distance. Cael finally told her exactly what was going on.
"I promise we are in the right spot, but my home is hidden from outside threats. Most would call me foolish for what I am about to do, but... those people have never met someone like you. I want you to remember what I am about to say, and promise never to tell any the phrase you are about to hear."
Calca didn't hesitate for a second.
"Of course Cael. I won't tell a soul unless you allow me to."
"I know you wouldn't Calca. Now..." Cael steps forward and Calca notices he is standing on an X on the ground. Cael notices her gaze. "I know, my servants were very particular. Apparently, this spot is the best view of the Palace of Ascension. They wished for you to be able to see it as it should be."
Cael pulls Calca up alongside him and points straight ahead. Calca is still seeing nothing but trees then Cael starts to speak.
"Let only those whose dreams are of freedom and peace, lay their eyes upon the glorious Palace of Ascension."
As Cael finished, Calca saw the trees below them disappear and the most spectacular castle she had ever laid eyes on appear before her. The beauty of such a castle was hard to describe for Calca.
There were two layers of walls before the actual castle. The walls were such a pure white marble that they looked like they were glowing in the sunlight. The top of each crenellation was capped in a jet black marble, and the place where the different colored marbles met was banded in gold.
Even from up here, she could see the statue in the courtyard, the pathway straight to the front door, and the perfectly maintained grounds that looked like the garden of anyone's dreams. The whole castle was enormous as well. It had to be three or four times the size of the Royal Palace of Hoburns.
Calca was facing straight toward the front gate and could tell even from here that they were made of solid gold. She couldn't think of any castle or palace she had ever seen that even came close to the beauty of this place.
"It's... It's breathtaking Cael!"
"I'm glad you think so, Calca."
Calca finally turned away from the sight of the castle toward Cael. She finally saw the carriage right behind Cael and the road toward the front gates. If she wasn't so mesmerized at the sight of Cael's home, she probably would have thought more about how strong magic had to be to hide such a place.
"Shall we, my love?"
Cael says as he motioned to the carriage. It was the nicest carriage Calca had ever seen before. As he helps her inside, she couldn't help but gawk. The inside was even nicer than the outside and the seat was the most comfortable one she had ever sat in. As the carriage took off, she didn't feel a single bump in the road.
The only place she had ever been more comfortable was in Cael's arms. It was so intriguing, she barely looked out the windows as she was too busy inspecting the inside of the carriage. She didn't realize she was doing it until Cael chuckled.
"I take it you like the carriage?"
Calca heard the teasing in his tone. That was when she realized she hadn't done anything but look around the carriage. She blushed a bit at essentially ignoring Cael when all she could think about was him all day. The carriage was breathtaking though. Could you really blame her?
"Yes... the most beautiful one I've ever seen."
Calca didn't try to hold the awe out of her voice. It would have been impossible to do anyway, and there was no reason to lie to Cael. It truly was spectacular.
"I'm glad. Hopefully, you like my home just as much because we are here..."
Cael must have let Calca stare longer than she thought because she could see the gold front gates as they passed the first set of walls. The gates were works of art themselves. There was a depiction of Angels on one door and Demons and Devils on another.
Calca imagined if they were closed, it would look as if they were about to battle. It was very fitting for a place called the Palace of Ascension. As they passed the second set of gates on the inner wall, Calca saw the doors depicted the same scene but the gates were black.
When they finally made it into the inner courtyard, Calca's breath was taken away again. The gardens inside the walls were more art than a simple garden. Bushes were shaped like animals and angels, there were flowers she had never seen or heard of before, and there were fountains everywhere. It felt like she was in heaven instead of someone's home.
When the carriage circled the largest of the angel fountains and came to a stop, Calca couldn't take her eyes off of it. It looked so lifelike even if there was water coming out of the angel's mouth. She never heard the door open and only turned when she heard Cael say.
"We're here, my love."
He was already standing outside the carriage with his hand extended for her to take. She had missed all of that gazing at the statue. She was used to the finest things in life being a Queen, but she never realized there could be something of such quality that it stole all of her attention.
Calca gratefully took the offered hand and made her way out of the carriage. She had eyes only for Cael as she descended. She couldn't look away from that smile on his face.
She wished she had because the moment her feet hit the ground, a musical greeting welcomed her that she was unprepared for. It almost made her jump out of her skin, but she's a Queen and kept her composure.
"Welcome to the Palace of Ascension, your majesty!"
When Calca moved her eyes toward such beautiful voices, she was overwhelmed at first. Bowing in front of her were hundreds, possibly even thousands, of angels. Some had white wings, some had black wings, some wore maid outfits while others were dressed as guards.
Very little in life could have prepared her for such a sight even being the Queen for almost ten years now. Luckily for her, being Queen allowed her to only be speechless for a few moments before she said.
"Thank you all for your warm welcome. I hope I am worthy of such kindness from you all."
"I told you they'd love you..."
Cael whispers to her. It made Calca smile as Cael led her up the front steps to the doors. These doors were also gold and had the same scene on them, but they were shaped to look like angel wings. They didn't make it to the door as an incredibly beautiful looking angel approached and kneeled in front of both of them before saying.
"Lord Cael, Your Majesty, we are grateful you both made it. The welcoming feast shall be ready when you are done with the tour, Lord Cael. We wish you both the happiest of days today."
The woman stood up and Calca was again near speechless. The woman, or angel, was even more beautiful than she imagined. She had bright pink hair, crimson red eyes, and perfectly pale skin to compliment her features.
Her maid outfit had gold stitching unlike the others and it must signify something. Perhaps she was in charge of the others, she did come to greet them directly unlike the other maids and guards.
Calca had noticed every woman in this place was insanely beautiful. She had always thought herself beautiful, now she was a little worried. Cael could easily choose any of these women instead of her. They were all more beautiful than she was in her eyes.
"Thank you, Angelisa. I will inform you when we are nearly finished."
Angelisa moved to the side so Cael and Calca could proceed. Cael practically dragged Calca out of her stupor toward the front door. They were opened by a pair of guards at the front, and Calca realized her day of jaw-dropping awe had just started.
The entry of the Palace was something to behold. To call it a Grand Entry wouldn't do it justice. There were pure white pillars that rose to the ceiling. A number of very comfortable looking couches were spread out around the room, and there was art in here so spectacular, she had trouble taking anything else in.
As Cael moved her forward, she noticed an Imperial style set of stairs that wound their way up the walls at the far end of the room. They led to a balcony that overlooked the entry, and under the balcony was a hallway that led to another set of grand double doors.
"As you probably can tell, this is the entry room." Cael chuckles. "I can either give you the tour my way, or I can tell you what is where on this floor and you can choose. Which would you prefer, my love?"
Calca came to immediately and relax more than Cael realized. She was still rather worried that all these women were so beautiful, but he was still calling her his love. There were even servants around making their way back to prepare and he didn't hesitate to call her that instead of your majesty or something similar. Calca tightened her fingers with his before saying.
"I'll let you lead the way, my love."
She stood on her toes to give him a peck on the lips, and couldn't help the smile she adorned when he didn't hesitate a moment to meet her lips. She swears she even heard some of the servants aww~ when they saw them. It was already so much different than being in the Royal Palace of Hoburns.
Cael didn't waste a moment after their kiss and led Calca to the eastern door in the Grand Entry. He was going to show her the kitchens first. He knew she cared for everyone and wouldn't want to skip meeting the cooks, but he had been banned from the kitchen area until the feast so east was the only option.
Calca had noticed every door in this palace depicted the same scene. The only difference was the material the door was made of though. Every single door was of a quality that was hard for Calca to come to terms with. When the doors opened, she couldn't believe her eyes.
This room was probably the size of the entire first floor of the Royal Palace of Hoburns. There were strange tables spread out around one area of the room. They looked to be made of wood, but there was a green material on top of them. When she got closer to one, she saw different colored balls arranged in a triangle with two wooden sticks on each table.
Those weren't the only strange things in the room. Circles were hanging on the wall that had different colored sections and strange symbols on them. Calca had never seen anything like them before, and that was just the beginning of the strange games she saw.
The only thing she recognized in the entire room was an obvious bar. It wasn't ordinary, for it was incredibly massive, but there was no denying it was a bar. The number of couches and chairs in this room was astonishing too. Cael finally brought her a little understanding of what this room was.
"This is the entertainment room. This is where people can come to play games or have a drink. It looks like you aren't familiar with some of our games. I promise that next time you come back, I will show you how to play billiards. Perhaps we might even have some time tonight for me to show you a game or two depending on when you need to be back."
"I would love that."
Cael led her by the hand once again to a set of double doors at the far northwest end of the entertainment room. Once they opened, Calca saw a truly beautiful room once more. This looked like a much nicer version of their Royal Ballroom. And by much nicer she means so nice it doesn't seem real. The art in Cael's home was priceless itself and that was nothing compared to the actual majesty of its construction.
"This is the Grand Ballroom. I'm sure you know what this is used for, your majesty."
Cael teased playfully. In truth, they had never used this room for anything. I was just part of the Palace of Ascension. Of course, this place looked much different with the defenses turned on.
"Yes, I do. I feel saying we have a room like this is a lie though. I have never seen a place so expertly crafted, Cael. Your home is truly wonderous."
"I hope you aren't too excited yet, my Queen. We have a lot more to see before we are done with this. We still have the rest of the Eastern Wing, a whole Western Wing, the Northern Wing, and four more floors to tour."
Cael laughs when Calca's jaw drops. She probably didn't believe it was this big inside no matter how ridiculously large the palace looked on the outside.
"I'll count this as my exercise for the month then!"
Calca joked with him and Cael laughed once more. He'd let her take a break or get something to drink if they needed it. He didn't want to wear her out. He points to the door on the western wall.
"That door leads to the formal dining room. The kitchen, pantry, and laundry are all through there, but my servants have banned me from that wing until the feast so there is only one way to go now."
He led Calca to the Northern doors and emerged in a hallway when they opened. There was an identical set of doors across from him and they made their way through those as well. Once Calca stepped inside the doors, she felt very small.
This was obviously the Throne Room, and Cael's throne made Calca's look like a crumbling wooden bench in comparison. His throne was solid white marble with gold and black accents.
The symbol on the back of his chair matched the large flag hanging behind it. It was a throne with two wings. Each wing held an object, one was a gavel, the other was a sword. There was a gold halo hovering over the top of the throne as well.
This room was incredibly large as well. Calca guessed you could fit at least two thousand people in here if necessary, maybe even more. She didn't get to take in the room much as Cael led her behind the throne. It wasn't until then that she noticed another set of doors that were hidden from view before.
Cael opened the doors, and she was met with the most spectacular office she had ever seen. Cael wasn't exactly a small man so she understood him having a large desk, but the one she saw was obscenely large.
There were couches, bookshelves, chairs, and a few smaller desks about the huge office. She even noticed more artwork, sculptures, and busts around this room as well. It seemed as if every room in this palace held priceless art she had never seen before.
"Why don't you have a seat?"
Calca hadn't even noticed they were already at his desk. It was almost the size of her bed and she almost disappeared into the chair when she sat. It was the most comfortable chair she ever sat in at least.
"Yep, you look perfect there. I can already see you writing your orders to save everyone sitting right there."
Cael grinned at her and Calca giggled in response. She honestly didn't know how she could do anything at this desk. She isn't sure she can reach anything even on the thing.
"If I grow about a foot maybe..." she smirks at him. "Most people would want to show off their impressive throne to a Queen they were courting, but you seem more proud of this chair. Why is that?"
Calca was curious. She knew if it were any other man bringing her here. He would be bragging about every inch of this place, especially the throne. Cael was just informing her of each room and didn't look proud until they entered this room.
"Well, this is where I help my people. I don't need to hold an audience for commoners as you do so all the change my people are affected by happens in that seat. It is why I'm more proud to sit there."
Calca beamed at his answer. He truly was perfect. She immediately got up from the chair and gave him another kiss. Cael seemed to get an idea then.
"Although, follow me..."
Cael didn't wait for her response, he dragged her out of the room and back to the Throne Room. Before Calca knew what was happening, Cael had picked her up princess carry and started making his way up the stairs to the throne. Once he was in front of it, he set Calca down in it and took a step back.
"Mmm, now that is perfect. It is like that chair was meant for you. I'd certainly bend the knee if I saw your divine self sitting in such a chair."
As if to make his words come true, Cael took a knee and looked at Calca. There were about fifty different meanings to his words and actions. It looked as if Calca had realized every one of them from the look on her face.
"If you keep spoiling me this much, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to live in the Royal Palace of Hoburns again."
Calca giggles at Cael. The man was way too perfect in her opinion, even his home was beyond perfect. She really did contemplate just living here. It would be so much nicer, but she didn't want anyone else to sully this place.
She could only imagine the greedy, power-hungry nobles of the Holy Kingdom eyeing this place up like treasure for the taking. She couldn't let that happen to this paradise.
"Believe me, my love. I haven't even begun to spoil you yet."
His tone made her shiver in delight and somehow love him even more. Every second she spent with him made it harder and harder to let him go every night. She wasn't sure how she would do it after this night was over.
"I very much look forward to when you start!"
Cael gives her a kiss to agree then looks to her and says.
"Alright, love. The rest of the first floor is off-limits to us for now. You will see it during the feast. The second level is mainly for the guards while the third level is mainly for the other servants. There are other rooms on those levels though. Would you like to see all of it?"
"Why don't you just point out the doors and where they go if you don't think we need to go in them and we can go inside the others?"
"Sounds like a plan, love. I'm going to save us some time and teleport us to the second floor so hold on."
Cael and Calca disappear from the Throne Room and reappear in the second-floor hallway. There are beautiful stain glass windows behind her as well as a door to the west, north, and east. Cael points to the door to the east.
"That is the Guard's barracks. It is the size of the Entertainment room because it houses every guard in the palace." he now points to the northern door. "That is where the guards' dining hall is and their indoor training area is through there as well." he now points to the western door. "That is where the armory, alchemy/enchanter shop, and the blacksmith all reside. Does any of that interest you?"
"Honestly, this place is so magical I kind of want to see it all, but I'll see it all eventually so let's go to the next floor. If I see it all, you might not invite me back..."
Cael could tell she was teasing him, but he wasn't a fan of the joke. He chuckled anyway knowing she was just joking with him.
"As my Queen commands." he gave an exaggerated bow. "Let us head to the third floor, your majesty!"
And just like that they disappeared from the second floor and reappeared on the third floor. Cael was quick to point at the eastern door.
"This is the servants' level. Any guess what is behind that door?"
Cael teased her a bit, but she was pretty sure she knew. It was more than likely set up like the second floor.
"I'll go out on a limb and say the servants quarters?"
"Very good, my love. I believe that correct guess deserves a reward."
Cael bends down and captures her lips, she smiles as he does and so does he. It is hard to stop himself from smiling when he thinks about kissing her. When he actually does it, he can't help himself and neither can she.
"Does that mean I get another if I guess that the servants' dining hall is through the northern door?"
Cael bends down and gives her a quick peck on the lips. She was hoping for a much longer one than that. Cael lets her know why.
"You forgot that the servants' rest and recreation area is through there where they can read, write stories or poems, draw, paint, or anything else they desire so only a quick kiss for that one."
Cael laughs at Calca pout but she quickly smiles again and says.
"Then what do I get if I guess through the last door is an armory, alchemy shop, and blacksmith?"
She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye, but Cael didn't let it get to him as he said.
"Why that would be nothing love because that isn't what's behind that door."
'She looks so adorable when she pouts!'
"That means I win this time, my Queen."
"Oh? And what do you get for winning this time?"
"I think the only thing that could be acceptable would be for YOU to kiss ME this time."
Calca didn't even finish giggling before she kissed him again. She had felt like a little girl since she saw Cael again in her room. It didn't look as if that feeling would go away any time soon. She broke away and asked.
"So what is behind those doors then?"
"I'd rather show you then tell you."
Cael pulls her toward the door and they enter it. He goes to the door directly in front of him and opens it. Calca thinks she lost her mind for a moment. She looks in the door, then back into the hallway, then back again and again and again.
She knows now it isn't her losing her mind. Cael is trying hard not to laugh at her reaction, but some chuckles escape after she does it a few times.
"How can?... Is that?... I don't... WHAT?!"
"This is the Ski Lodge Mountain Retreat. Perfect place to enjoy all the fun activities you would want to do in the winter season. This was most of my friends' favorite room in the whole castle."
As Calca looks through the door, that is indeed what she sees. Snow-capped mountains as far as she can see. A beautiful wooden cabin built into the mountain and this door led right out onto the large outside deck that wraps around it. She still has no idea how this is possible. Cael doesn't let her think long as he shuts the door and leads her to the northernmost door in the hallway.
Calca believes she is ready for anything, but when he opens it and she sees a tropical beach surrounded by crystal clear water, her jaw drops. It looked like a piece of paradise landed in this room. She really had no idea what was going on anymore. She didn't think her heart could take much more.
Cael shut the door before she froze completely and slowly led her to the southernmost door. He opened it and Calca thanked all four gods as she saw something she recognized. It may have been larger than she was used to, but this was definitely a spa. Cael shut the door again and looked at Calca.
"So we are going to skip level four for now and do that last. I want to show you the fifth floor. Teleporting is the only way to get there so hold on tight."
Cael uses his ring and they appeared in another grand hallway this one has a single door north, south, east, and west.
"We are going to skip the eastern door as that is the prison and I don't want to take you in there even if it is empty at the moment."
Calca looked alright with that so he motioned toward the south door and Calca followed him. It wasn't long before he was pushing open the doors. The view was spectacular.
They were standing at the top of an arena. She could see a large forest completely surrounding it for as far as she could see. There was even a bright sun shining in the sky. The arena was huge. It looked as if it could seat tens of thousands.
"This is where my friends and I used to spar against each other, or put on displays of new moves. Some would even just walk through the nature preserve. It's a good place to visit."
Calca had been wanting to ask about the friends he's been mentioning since they first met, but he still doesn't look ready to talk about it. She would eventually, but now wasn't the time for that.
Calca took in the view one more time and they turned and left. Cael led her to the western door and she was greeted with another spectacular view. There were steaming pools running along the hills of this place. A large pool was off to the west and the entire environment seemed tranquil.
"I never understood the appeal of a Hot Spring until I sat in one. They are very relaxing. Perhaps next time you can bring something to swim in and we can go in ourselves."
"It seems so peaceful I'm tempted to jump in right now."
Calca giggles and Cael chuckles before he says.
"There are clothes you can wear upstairs if you wish to jump in. I'm sure the maids wouldn't mind drying your clothes."
There was mischief in Cael's eyes that Calca saw. She quickly closed the door since it looked like he was going to throw her in one.
"How about we finish the tour, and if you're good... I'll think about swimming with you next time."
Now it was Calca's turn for a mischievous twinkle to her eye. Cael took her hand again, kissed the back of it, and led her to the final door on this level. They approached the northern doors, and Cael opened them. When they stepped in, Calca saw four people kneeling in what looked like a foyer.
All four of them were gorgeous. Two were men and two were women and that slight inferiority complex started to take root in Calca again. The first woman was the most beautiful Calca had ever seen, and that is after all the downright beautiful women she had seen in the palace already.
She had silver-platinum blonde hair, silver eyes, pale skin that made it look like she was glowing, and six white wings exactly as Cael did. Her robes and hood looked to be the highest quality Calca had ever seen, and her staff was like a work of art. The staff was pure white wood and a very large, gleaming, golden gem-adorned the top of it.
The next woman was just as breathtaking. She had jet black hair like Cael, gold eyes, and tan skin. She was wearing a very tight white outfit that hugged her entire body. She only had two wings, but they were both black. She had a sword on each hip, and it looked as if she really knew how to use them.
The first man was very handsome. He had blue hair, silver eyes, and pale skin that looked just like the first woman's. He was covered from neck to toes in full plate armor. It was primarily gold, but it had a good amount of white and black in the design as well.
His shield was in front of him as he kneeled on the ground and she could see it had four black paneled sections separated by a gold cross that adorned the shield. In the upper left section of the shield was the symbol she had seen on the throne and the flag behind it in white.
The last man was very handsome as well. He had black hair, black eyes, and his skin was tanner than any she had seen yet. His robes looked identical to the first woman's, but they were primarily black with white bordering and a gold guild symbol. Whereas the first woman's were white with gold bordering and a black symbol.
"Welcome, your majesties."
All four of them greeted Cael and Calca. Calca was a little stunned at how well in-tune everyone in this palace was. Thousands had greeted her earlier and she didn't hear a single person off-key or out of rhythm.
"Holy Queen Calca Bessarez, I'd like you to meet Seraphina, Ariel, Michael, and Angelo. These are the four guardians who protect my home and our treasury."
Cael motions to each of them as he says their names, and they stand up. Calca does her best to ignore the feeling of inadequacy when she gives Seraphina and Ariel a once over.
'It shouldn't be possible for a woman to be that perfect! Angel or not!'
That is all she could think of when she looked at them. Only the fact that Cael hadn't let go of her hand for a second kept her from getting jealous for no reason. When he kissed the back of her hand, she realized she had been staring too long.
"It is nice to meet all of you. Your home is truly fantastic. It is still hard for me to wrap my head around a place like this existing."
"It is our pleasure, your majesty."
Calca isn't sure why but Seraphina was the last person she wanted to be the one to address her. It was completely irrational but she was jealous of the woman. She had no idea how to handle it since she had never felt like this before. Luckily, Cael saved her before she said something foolish.
"Well, I wanted her to meet you guys. We are going to the fourth floor for the last part of the tour. Could one of you please head to the kitchens and let them know we are almost done?"
"As you command, Lord Cael."
Ariel didn't even let him finish or thank her as she disappeared from his vision. He laughed and teleported him and Calca to the fourth floor. It was the last one to be seen and he was most excited about this level.
Cael turned Calca around and they were facing a door in the far south of the hallway. He opened the door and led Calca into it. There wasn't one thing in here, Cael led her past all kinds of rooms and told her what each one was.
"The first one right there is the barber, the salon is next to that, then the bar, then the restaurant, and that last door on the far end over there is where the conference room is. If we weren't about to have a feast in your honor, I'd ask you to join me in the restaurant, but we can do that next time if you are up for it."
"I think I'd like that very much, Lord Cael~"
Cael looked at her and slightly raised an eyebrow. He had never heard her intentionally try to be seductive. He'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it, but it sounded as if there was a hidden meaning behind her calling him Lord Cael he couldn't quite understand.
"I'll make sure to give you a more thorough tour of this part of the palace next time then, my love."
Cael kisses the back of her hand, leads her back out the door and takes her to the western side of the fourth floor. There are several doors on this side, and they all look the same as before. Cael opens the first one he comes across.
Calca is gawking again. It is the grandest bedroom she has ever seen. It made her room look like a homeless man's shack in comparison. She could see other doors in the room as well and knew they led to other rooms. This must be the Royal Chambers, but Cael made her jaw open more when he said.
"These are the Royal Guest Suites. There are ten identical ones on this side. The Royal Chambers are on the other side. They each have a bedroom, living room, family room, conference room, and bathroom. Each is a little smaller than the Royal Chambers and not all the furniture is as nice because we all personalized our chambers."
'Royal Guest Suites! What in the world does his room look like?!'
Calca wasn't sure to make of any of this anymore. If she took the furniture from any of these suites and sold it, she'd be financially set for her whole reign if war didn't break out. It was completely absurd that one palace could contain such vast wealth.
"Come, my love. I want to show you the library."
Cael pulled her out of her stupor and she followed behind. She wasn't focusing on anything as he opened the next set of doors and she swore she stopped breathing for a second. There had to be hundreds of thousands of books in this library. There were probably more books in this one room than the rest of the world owned combined. She really didn't know what to say anymore.
"I know you love to read so if you want to borrow anything, just ask the librarian. She can tell you where all the books you're looking for are. Oh, there she is... Laurel!"
The librarian looks toward them and Calca only has one thought.
'Of course, it's another gorgeous angel!'
"Good evening, Lord Cael, Your Majesty. How may I assist you today?"
"I wanted to introduce you two and let you know if her majesty wishes to look for a book that you would assist her."
"Of course, Lord Cael. Would you like to check out a book now, your majesty?"
"No... I... I'm sure I'll be back later, but right now I'm just enjoying the tour."
"Very well, your majesty. If you ever require my help, just yell for me."
Laurel bows to them both and makes her way back to the desk. Cael leads Calca back out of the library and takes her to the only room left, his bedroom. We will skip the thoughts running through his mind at that idea.
When they finally get there, it is the first time Calca has seen a maid since she stepped out of the carriage and started the tour. She is gorgeous as well with her pink hair, pink eyes, and perfect skin. She even perfectly curtsies when they approach.
"Good evening, Lord Cael, your majesty. I hope the tour was to your liking, your majesty."
"Good evening, Saera. I believe the Queen did enjoy the tour... I think?"
Cael added that last part after Calca had said nothing. She seemed to be eyeing Saera up and down. He wasn't quite sure what to make of that, but she did answer eventually.
"I did. You have a wonderful home here, Saera was it?"
"Yes, your majesty. I am Saera, I am the maid assigned to Lord Cael's room and his guest suite."
"You are very beautiful, Saera."
"Your majesty is too kind, and very beautiful yourself."
Cael was at a loss for what was going on right now. Why Saera and Calca were staring each other down trading words baffled him. It was strange so he ended their weird back and forth.
"We are going to check out the Royal Suite, Saera. You may join the others for the feast. We will be down shortly."
"As you command, Lord Cael."
Saera bows and departs and Cael drags Calca into the room. She was acting strange and he was half tempted to ask her what was going on. He'd give her some time though and maybe she'd talk to him about it on her own.
"So this is my ro-"
Cael never got to finish as Calca grabbed his face and kissed him fiercely. He wrapped his arms around her, and she did something he didn't expect. She wrapped her arms around his neck, jumped, wrapped her legs around his waist, and slipped her tongue in his mouth.
Cael and Calca had kissed plenty already, but never like this. He honestly felt like he was courting a Queen, which he was, and he thought he would try to do it right. The kisses he was getting already he thought might have been a little over the line, but he could live with that for now.
But right now, it was as if Calca was trying to claim him. His mouth at least. Her tongue probed every inch of his mouth. He had no idea if it was supposed to feel this good, but she was fantastic at it. He moved his arms up and down her back as he kissed her back just as fiercely.
His hands skirted along the top of her ass a few times. Cael moved them quickly so he didn't cross the line, but Calca actually moved his hand down there. He groped her ass like a horny teenager and she actually moaned into his mouth.
'This is getting out of hand quickly!'
Cael finally broke away and set Calca down. He had no idea what had gotten into her, but they were encroaching on dangerous territory if they kept at it like that. She was everything he dreamed of, and that is not how he wanted to take her the first time.
"What... was that... all about?..."
Cael didn't even need to breathe and Calca had someone taken the wind out of him with that kiss. He could barely think straight. He was surprised he found the self-restraint to set her down.
Calca didn't look at all perturbed by what she just did. She looked worried for some reason, but he could tell it wasn't about her kiss. Her question definitely caught him off guard.
"Why me?"
"Why you what?"
"All these women are more beautiful than I am. Why would you choose me?"
Cael is honestly surprised that is what she meant. He had no idea why she would think that. Cael had never seen anyone more beautiful than Calca. He wasn't blind, he knew the servants were beautiful, but to him, no one compared to the woman in front of him.
"That's easy. I've never met anyone as beautiful as you both inside and out. Second, the servants here are like a family to me. They are all I have left of my friends, and I could never cross that line with them. Even if I hadn't met the most beautiful woman to ever exist, that's you, by the way, I still would have waited until you came along. You are a Goddess in human form Calca, never forget that."
Calca couldn't help but start to tear up at his words. She could see the truth in everything he said in his eyes. He really did think that about her. She had no idea why she thought otherwise.
"I'm sorry that I... kissed you like that. I was feeling insecure I guess. I hope you enjoyed it at least."
"You definitely don't have to apologize for kissing me like that. I enjoyed it very much, you are very good at it."
"T-that was my first time... doing that..."
Calca actually looked embarrassed admitting that to Cael. He had an easy way to make her feel better.
"Well, that was my first time too. I was wondering if it was supposed to feel that good. I just assumed you had done it before."
Cael shrugs his shoulders. He really didn't want to think of Calca kissing anyone else, especially like she just did to him. He'd kill that person instantly.
"No, I've never... you have been my first for everything, Cael. I've never even held another man's hand before you."
"You are mine as well. I know it is selfish of me, but I'm glad we are each other's firsts. I never plan on letting anyone come after me either so prepare yourself for a lifetime of firsts with me."
Calca leans up and kisses him again. She does slip her tongue in again, but this time much slower. Instead of frantic and needy it is soft and sensual. Cael realizes this is an even bigger problem and breaks away before he gets carried away.
"How about we head to the feast before you get carried away, beautiful?"
"Mmm, that is probably a good idea. I'm not sure how many more of your loving words I can take and keep my composure."
Cael had to teleport them away immediately after that. He doubted he could keep himself together with Calca looking at him like that in his room. Time to get around a bunch of people so he can calm himself down.
They end up just outside the Dining Hall doors and two maids are waiting to open the door for them. They enter and see food laid out everywhere. It is a feast fit for an army by that looks of it. Cael and Calca take a seat at the raised dais and a few maids start bringing them food and drinks.
After Cael and Calca had an entire table full of food, all the servants started eating. Calca was enjoying the food immensely. She had never tasted food so good before. She kept glancing at the servants though and was getting uncomfortable.
They were constantly looking up at her and whispering to each other. It made her feel self-conscious again, but this time she took a different approach.
"I don't think they like me, love."
"Why do you say that?"
"They keep staring at me and whispering to each other. In my experience, when women do that, they are usually talking about you behind you back."
"I'm sure that isn't what is happening, love."
"You just hope everyone likes m-"
She never got to finish as Cael yelled out.
"Ladies!" all of them stop eating and stare at Lord Cael. Calca realized what he was about to do and tried to stop him but was too late.
"Do you have something you wish to ask Queen Calca?"
"M-May we ask her questions if we have them, Lord Cael?"
Cael looked at her and Calca nodded. She would rather they ask then talk behind her back. She did not get the reaction or questions she thought.
Almost every servant in the Dining Hall charged the high table. They skidded to a halt just before running into the table and the questions came out so fast, Calca had trouble keeping up.
"How did you get your hair the color of sunshine?"
"I didn't know eyes could be two colors! How did you get them blue and green?"
"Your hair looks different than Lord Cael described. Did you change it?"
"I like your hair better this way, your majesty!"
"How do you keep your skin so smooth?"
"Your tiara is beautiful, who made it?"
"Can I have Claire style my hair like yours, your majesty?"
"When is the wedding, your majesty?"
"Can I watch your children when you and Lord Cael have some?"
"Will you make the Palace of Ascension your home?"
Cael was amused at the look on Calca's face. She definitely wasn't expecting that. She assumed she would probably get asked why she was worthy of Cael, or if she even was. That she didn't belong here, etc... He was glad she realized now it wasn't like that here. His people loved her too, it wasn't just him.
"Ladies... ladies..." Cael chuckles but they calm down. "Please let the Queen eat. We will come by and speak to each of you for a bit when we are done eating."
"Yes, Lord Cael."
They all answered in unison and filled down the steps and back to their seats. Cael looked over at Calca, amusement clear on his face. Calca couldn't hide her embarrassment from him and he couldn't let it go.
"So... you still worried?"
Calca didn't answer at first. She did finally punch him in the arm, give him a serious look, and say.
"Shut up, my love."
The rest of the evening was filled with talk and laughter. Calca hadn't enjoyed herself this much maybe ever. There were always people with ulterior motives at functions like this since she was a Queen, but this one, she was able to enjoy to the fullest. She even finally got that tour of Cael's bedroom they skipped.
She didn't want to leave, but she had too. She had been gone from Hoburns since early afternoon and it was well past midnight by the time she finally laid down in her bed with a smile on her face.
So chapter 3 is a wrap... I don't think I'm going to make this fanfic very long... around 20 chapters at the most is my guess... I don't want to drag this one out... I can always do a sequel later if I want to pick this back up... I don't plan on doing much outside the Holy Kingdom in this story so it won't be that long even if I drag out the chapters... Until next time!