Herald of Shalia

by Tamryn Tamer

  “You mean those three are low status?” Frost said as stared at the gorgeous cat girl trying to get people’s attention. “They are gorgeous.”

  “Frost,” Brynn rubbed her head. “I’m just letting you know that if you like the title of elf-fucker, keep to the elves. Because if you start sleeping with Durra you’re going to get a different title that isn’t nearly as flattering.”

  “But look at how excited and happy she looks,” Frost pointed at the plump dog-eared woman with the cute face eagerly wagging her tail. Her proportions were obscene enough without the added benefit of her tight fitted black dress. “You don’t want to just grab her and cuddle up with her?”

  “It’s not the cuddling part that causes problems,” Brynn said judgmentally as they jumped off the horse and grabbed their packs. “Tie up the horse and let’s find the madam.”

  “Hey you two,” the Myrran woman was the first to notice them tying their horse and rushed over. Her long wild orange hair looked like a mane and her striped tail was reminiscent of a tigress. Her body was slender and muscular like a gymnast while her face was fierce like that of a predator. Her bright green eyes especially made him feel like he was being hunted. “Are you here for a performance by chance?”

  “Performance?” Frost looked the gorgeous cat girl up and down before turning his gaze to the bunny-eared Florenne. The timid bunny-girl made eye contact and quickly looked away like she’d been caught doing something wrong.

  “Oh, oh, oh!” the Myrran said excitedly as she noticed Frost staring at the white-eared beauty. “Iris and I do a wonderful rabbit hunt if that’s what you’re interested in. If you’re looking for something more playful Zinnia and I do an entertaining show where she chases me around.”

  “Fun,” Frost smiled wickedly at an exasperated Brynn. He glanced back at the Myrran. “And what’s your name?”

  “Jasmine,” the Myrran said while bowing politely. “Do you think you’ll be purchasing a show tonight? If so, I can take care of all the arrangements.”

  “Jasmine,” Brynn smirked at Frost. “Just so you know, my handsome fiancé doesn’t have any money. I do. So, you’re very much meowing up the wrong tree.”

  “Fiancé! Congratulations!” Jasmine turned to Brynn. “I was unaware my lady! What did you have in mind for the evening? Maybe something more romantic? Stone and I do a wonderful mating ritual if that’s what you’re interested in.”

  “Stone,” Brynn grinned impishly at Frost. “With a name like that he must be very strong.”

  “Oh,” Jasmine blushed. “I’m afraid Myrran men don’t get very large my lady.” Jasmine said nervously. “My lady, would you by chance be looking for something rougher? For instance, me hunted and pinned by somebody powerful? If so, Basalt is a rather large Durra who may be to your liking.”

  “I’m not interested in men other than my fiancé,” Brynn shook her head.

  “Jasmine,” a sexy elf woman with green hair down to her waist approached. “What have we told you about bothering potential guests? Clearly, they’re not interested in one of your silly shows. Why don’t you run along with the other beasts and let us proper courtesans work with human customers?”

  “Rose,” Jasmine quickly lowered her head and backed away. “I apologize for overstepping.”

  “Are you in charge?” Brynn glanced at the elf. “If so, my fiancé and I are looking for a room for the night.”

  “For the entire night?” Rose smirked wickedly at Jasmine. Frost realized that the elf likely felt that she snagged a large fish from the eager Myrran. Jasmine attempted to force a smile, but it was obvious to Frost that she was covering her frustration. “I will talk to the madam about accommodations. I’ll be happy to dance and play for you all night if that’s your wish. I know several songs, dances, and acrobatic feats.”

  “We’re only looking for a room,” Brynn sighed. “Not companionship or a show.”

  “Excuse me?” Rose grinned apprehensively. “Why wouldn’t you stay at an inn?”

  “Can we just talk to the madam?” Frost asked. “I don’t want to keep explaining this.”

  “Of course,” Rose nodded while guiding them inside of the building. “Follow me.”

  The inside of the building was dimly lit like a nightclub and Frost noticed several booths with drinking patrons and demihuman women pouring drinks. It seemed that it wasn’t simply a brothel but also a sort of gentleman’s lounge combined with a traditional tavern. Three separate stages had elf women dancing in their underwear while a fourth near the back without many patrons seemed devoted to the beast girls.

  “Wait here,” Rose said while rushing off toward a backroom.

  While Frost looked around the room taking in the sights of various scantily clad demihumans, Brynn focused her gaze at the floor while slowly moving closer to him. The topless women on the stages seemed to be making her somewhat uneasy. It reminded him of his first time in a strip club and he resisted the urge to laugh.

  “Interesting,” Frost said as he noticed a topless blue and white skinned elf woman walk past. Her skin glistened like she’d just been in the bath for hours and sort of reminded him for an eel. “What is she?”

  “Lily is an Elraken,” a red-haired fox woman with two tails approached. “Welcome, Herald Frost.”

  Frost was so distracted by her fluffy tails he didn’t even think to ask how she knew who he was. The entire room paused what they were doing to stared at him for a moment before going back to what they were doing. Many of them continued to peak every few seconds as if he was some strange creature. Which, he supposed he couldn’t judge them for since he was looking at many of them the same way.

  “I’m honored that you and Princess Brynn Hilde decided to visit my establishment,” the fox woman bowed. “I’m Madam Gardenia.”

  “Madam,” Brynn smiled politely. “Since you know who we are, do we have to explain why we’re here?”

  “Rose said you wanted a room,” Madam Gardenia said. “But I’m admittedly a little confused as to why you’d choose to stay here. Unless, I thought that was just a rumor. Is it by chance true that you actually lay with elves? Oh! Apologizes, I shouldn’t ask that here.”

  “It’s fine and yes I do,” Frost chuckled as several patron’s jaws dropped. He noticed a few of the elf dancers turn their eyes toward him as if they’d just found a potential mark.

  “Oh,” Madam Gardenia seemed momentarily surprised by the response but quickly regained her composure. “I’m sorry, I was a bit surprised by your candor Herald Frost.”

  “He’s completely shameless,” Brynn offered.

  “And proud of it,” Frost corrected with a smug smile.

  “So,” Madam Gardenia glanced at Rose. “Please don’t be offended, but if you wish for a room you understand that you’ll need to pay for service as well.”

  “What if we don’t plan on using the service?” Brynn glared at Frost.

  “Ah,” Frost interrupted before Madam Gardenia could respond. “You need to think about the opportunity costs.”

  “Opportunity costs,” Brynn tiled her head.

  “If we’re in the room it can’t be used for other services,” Frost explained. “She loses the opportunity to make more on the room. Hence, opportunity costs.”

  “Exactly,” Madam Gardenia nodded while smiling. “I’m very happy you understand it. I was concerned that you might feel it was unfair.”

  “How much would that be per night?” Brynn asked while fiddling with her pouch.

  “Fifty rel per night,” Madam Gardenia said. “Since you’re taking the entire night.”

  “A normal inn would only cost ten,” Brynn said judgmentally. “That seems awfully steep even with the opportunity cost.”

  “Since we’re paying the full rate does that mean,” Frost gestured at the women around him. “You know?”

  “You will have access to all of our services,” Madam Gardenia nodded. “The fifty rel is for the master suite, food, beverages, and entertainmen
t.”

  “Brynn,” Frost nodded excitedly while gesturing at the fox-eared madam. “We’re staying here right?”

  “Not like we have much choice handsome,” Brynn sighed while pulling the money from her wallet. “Here’s for two nights. We may stay a third depending on when we decide to leave.”

  “Wonderful,” Madam Gardenia didn’t bother holding back her covetous smile while counting the rel. “It’s a pleasure to have you in my establishment. But I must warn you. While I can promise the complete discretion of my girls, the same cannot be said of the customers.”

  “I understand,” Brynn nodded. “It’s not as though our presence here is a secret.”

  “Thank you for understanding,” Madam Gardenia said politely. “Rose would be happy to show you to the suite.”

  “I don’t suppose Jasmine is available,” Frost asked politely earning him a surprised expression from Madam Gardenia and a suspicious look from Brynn.

  “Jasmine?” Rose clenched her teeth. “Herald Frost, it was my understanding that you were a lover of elves…”

  “I am,” Frost nodded. “Which is why I have an entire village of gorgeous elves.”

  “Cursed elves,” Rose said as Madam Gardenia stepped in front of her and gave her a threatening look. “I apologize for my rudeness.”

  “Herald Frost,” Madam Gardenia smiled politely. “Please don’t take offense to this but I must ask Lady Brynn what she would like. She is the purchaser of the room after all.”

  “Brynn?” Frost looked at her hopefully. “You’re already paying for the services. It’d be a waste not to use them. And don’t forget, we’re getting married soon and I haven’t officially had a bachelor party. The only men I know mostly want to kill me so this is really my only chance at a bachelor part…”

  “Just stop talking sexy,” Brynn smiled amusedly as she sighed. “I already told you I know what I signed up for. And I suppose that rabbit hunt show she talked about sounded interesting.”

  “Rabbit hunt?” Madam Gardenia tilted her head. “Oh! That silliness with Iris! Really? Hm, maybe it’s not a ridiculous idea after all? We can send them both up.”

  “We also need some food and drinks,” Frost said. “I haven’t eaten all day.”

  “I’m pretty hungry as well,” Brynn looked at the madam. “Can you send some food up?”

  “Absolutely,” Madam Gardenia said. “Jasmine and Iris will bring plenty.”

  “You know,” Frost glanced playfully at Brynn. “That Durra girl is probably going to feel left out.”

  “Is that too much to ask?” Brynn looked Madam Gardenia for approval. “All three?”

  “Normally we limit guests to two women at a time,” Madam Gardenia smiled politely. “But I’ll happily make an exception for your highness and the herald.”

  “Thank you,” Brynn glared at Frost. “Are you happy now?”

  “I cannot put into words how happy I am,” Frost answered while smiling so much it hurt. “I’ve never loved you more than I do right now.”

  “Your declaration of love the other night was better,” Brynn smacked his ass.

  “Hm,” Madam Gardenia raised an eyebrow at the two. “Rose will show you to your room.”

  “Of course,” Rose forced a smile as they gestured toward the stairs. “This way.”

  Frost and Brynn followed Rose up the stairs of the brothel and down a long hallway until they reached a red door. Rose opened the door and walked away quickly without a word. The elf was obviously insulted by the fact Frost choose a bunch of beast girls over her.

  “This is not what I expected,” Brynn said looking around the surprisingly nice room. At a glance, it looked rather luxurious but on closer inspection the quality of the items was rather low. Frost did some scans and most of the items were cheaply made but painted to look nice. A little tacky, but not horrible. “Interesting.”

  “It’s not that bad,” Frost said while testing the mattress. He scanned the sheets and durability was a hundred percent so he hoped that meant they were also clean. The mattress was probably the nicest thing in the room which made sense given how the room was probably used. He looked up at the canopy of the king-sized bed and noticed several hooks meant to attach things. “Uh, mind checking the armoire over there?”

  “For what?” Brynn asked as she opened the doors of the massive wooden armoire revealing ropes, collars, whips, and various instruments Frost hadn’t entirely expected to find in this world. She quickly shut the doors of the armoire and scowled at him. “No.”

  “I wasn’t planning in using them,” Frost laughed. “It’s been a long day. I’m exhausted.”

  “And yet you’re not too exhausted to order up three women,” Brynn said while tossing their bags of clothing in one of the storage chests. She climbed up into bed and crawled over to him. “You really know how to make a woman feel inadequate.”

  “I told you I’d make an awful husband,” Frost said while stroking her hair. “It’s not too late for you to back out.”

  “I suppose you did warn me handsome,” Brynn sighed while resting her head against his chest. “And it’s not that I’m such a catch. The princess who everybody believes killed her brothers. Slade even said it, they think me killing Erik was part of a cover up.”

  “You’re an amazing catch,” Frost reassured her while running his fingers through her short hair. “And it doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks.”

  “An elf-fucker would say that,” Brynn teased.

  “Still not an insult,” Frost laughed.

  CHAPTER 25

  After a while several quiet knocks echoed off the door.

  “Come in,” Brynn said loudly.

  “Coming in,” the orange-haired cat girl timidly poked her head through the door. “Madam Gardenia said you requested us.”

  “We did,” Frost confirmed as Jasmine looked back and nodded excitedly. “Are you going to come in?”

  “Right,” Jasmine said as she excitedly rushed inside with a bottle of liquor. Iris and Zinnia slowly entered behind her, each carrying large bowls of breads and fruits as well as bottles of liquor. Zinnia clumsily closed the door with her foot and lined up with the other two. Both Iris and Zinnia looked at Jasmine for guidance. “So, what would you like my lord and lady?”

  “That’s a good question,” Brynn smirked at Frost. “You’re the one that wanted them, you can take the lead.”

  “You wanted to see the rabbit hunt, didn’t you?” Frost smirked while glancing at the women.

  Jasmine was muscular and elegant in a long red gown that hugged her petite tan body. While she was shorter than the other two, she had a way of carrying herself that indicated she was in charge. Maybe it was just her predatory green eyes and sharp canines, but she looked like she had all the confidence in the world.

  Iris was taller and quite a bit curvier without any semblance of muscle. Rather than a tight red dress she wore a fitted pink top that showed off pale midsection and a knee-length matching pink skirt. Her long hair, ears, and cotton ball tail were white and all looked unbelievably fluffy.

  Zinnia on the other hand, her appearance bordered on profane. Her breasts and ass were lasciviously large and her waist was just a tad chubby. Then there was her outfit. The auburn-haired dog-eared woman was wearing a yellow bikini top and a floral skirt that made her tan skin pop. But then there was her face, he’d never seen somebody so genuinely happy.

  “Stop that,” Jasmine said under her breath as Zinnia’s wagging tail smacked her for the tenth time.

  “Rabbit hunt?” Iris blushed as her large rabbit ears bent down to cover her eyes. “It’s so embarrassing.”

  “Maybe after we eat,” Brynn said while patting the bed. “Or are you three going to just stand there holding the food?”

  “Sorry my lady,” Jasmine said while gesturing at them. Zinnia and Iris practically tripped over each other as they simultaneously darted to the bed. Jasmine looked around the room as if something was missing. “I’m sorr
y, we forgot the glasses.”

  “It’s fine,” Frost said while grabbing a bottle from Iris and taking a swig. It was flavorful wine but didn’t seem to have much in terms of alcohol content. It reminded him of sangria except maybe slightly more flavorful. “Not bad.”

  “Let me try,” Brynn said as Frost handed her the bottle. She took a swig and made a face. “That is strong.”

  “No, it’s not,” Frost laughed.

  “This one’s a little weaker,” Zinnia said excitedly. Her tail wagged as she handed Brynn the bottle. “We didn’t know which one you’d like.”

  “Much better,” Brynn said while handing Frost the bottle to try.

  “This is practically juice,” Frost laughed as he handed her back the bottle of weak liquor. “It’s all yours.”

  “If you’re prefer something stronger, I have this,” Jasmine rushed forward and held out the bottle she brought. Frost grabbed the bottle and took a swig of what was unmistakably a fruit brandy. “Do you like it?”

  “It’s good,” Frost nodded. He considered drinking it but didn’t want to risk impacting his evening. Maybe they could use it for shots. “But I’m pretty sure if I finished this bottle I’d pass out.”

  “I’d think so,” Brynn rolled her eyes at him while grabbing some fruit from the bowl. “Oh, my goddess, I’m so hungry.”

  “You’re telling me,” Frost said while grabbing some of the grapelike fruits and snacking on them. It was funny to him that he basically avoided fruits and vegetables in his previous life but in the last few days they made up ninety percent of his diet. “I’m still recovering.”

  “Would you like us to do anything while you eat?” Jasmine asked as the three stood at the end of the bed. Zinnia’s tail wagged as she stared at one of the strangely shaped yellow fruits. Frost grabbed it from the bowl and held it out to her. “Want this one?”