The Heirs of Elysium

Chapter 10 - The Crimson Palace

Ethon's PoV

A warm glow from the fire and fine wine, I place down my empty glass. I suppose our evening is drawing to a close since The Swan will soon be shutting up shop for the night.

A gentleman, perhaps a decade older than us, approaches our table. He looks rather dapper in a finely tailored dark frock coat accented with a crimson cravat and matching handkerchief.

"Kingsley, at your service." He doffs his top hat, revealing slicked back dark hair. "I know a place where the entertainment never sleeps. I can promise you that you will not be disappointed." His smile has something of a fox to it, but he has my curiosity stirred. 

"Eth, I am not sure about this," Al cautions in a hushed voice.

"Let us go for a nightcap and if the venue is not to our liking, then we will simply return home." I rise and gesture to Kingsley. "Lead the way."

We follow him outside and back to the riverbank. Al does not look particularly happy but takes up the oars again. Good sense might tell me to be cautious, but the power of the phoenix makes me practically invincible. Furthermore, Al is pretty nifty with those daggers hidden in his boots.

The glittering lights of the main island glimmer like gold in the dark water. Grand stone buildings rise up on either side of us as we take a channel into the beating heart of the city.

Our vessel bumps against the planks of a small pontoon jutting out from an edifice that might seem palatial if one does not live in an actual palace, like we do. Two marble statues of scantily clothed women stand on either side of a scarlet door with gold filigree.

Our shoes sink into thick burgundy carpet as we enter a vestibule lined with scarlet and gold patterned wallpaper. There is a lingering floral scent and muffled sounds of music and laughter.

With playful jab of my elbow, I remark to Al, "See. There was nothing to worry about."

There is a palpable sense of anticipation as we follow Kingsley through heavy drapes. The room beyond is far larger and grander than I had expected. Cascades of red velvet envelop the walls and soft light shines from golden globes.

Whereas, The Swan has an understated elegance, this establishment has an opulence bordering on the gaudy. Well-dressed people lounge on sumptuous settees around tables so highly polished they could almost be mirrors. 

"Welcome to my club, The Crimson Palace." Kingsley spreads his arms wide, then clicks his fingers.

Three attractive young women in slinky red dresses approach. They are certainly easy on the eye. A voluptuous brunette links arms with me and leads me to a vacant table. The six of us settle in and soon the wine is flowing freely. Admittedly, it is far rougher on the palate those we shared at earlier, but the company makes up for it.

The brunette snuggles closer causing her ample assets to press against me. She picks up a dainty pastry dripping with honey and brings it to my lips, teasing before allowing me a taste of sweetness.

A shadow casts over us and I gaze up at Al, whose looming presence threatens to rain on my parade.

"Excuse me. I must speak with my friend." His words are polite yet his tone carries this 'you must obey' quality. I reckon if he had a mind to, he could command armies with that voice alone.

My companion pulls away, removing her warmth and with a cherry red smile turns her attentions to Merlin.

Sighing, I stand. "Al, what is the matter?"

"They are scarlet women," he responds in a low whisper.

"Well it fits with the theme." I laugh.

He rolls his eyes. "Seriously, Eth! I mean that they are ladies of the night. What they offer comes at a price. It is not our good company they seek. Furthermore, I do not believe this scene is to Merlin's liking."