Herald of Shalia 3, page 4
“Thank you so much,” a bright-eyed young woman said while swaying back and forth. “You know, you don’t have to leave so soon…”
“I’m afraid I do,” Frost laughed. “I have plans to visit my favorite brothel in Blackwater before I head home. If I stayed here for the night, I’d have to skip that.”
“Your favorite brothel,” Simon’s fists clenched. “Ridley’s right, Sir Herald. You’re a cunt.”
“Not going to argue that,” Frost smiled. “But I’m a cunt that saves lives. Including yours.”
“But still a cunt,” Timothy nodded.
“But still a cunt,” Frost agreed. “Anyway, I have to get going. Witch and I have a long ride ahead of us.”
Witch trotted to the edge of the moat and Frost cast earth magic to raise the earth back up creating a stone bridge for the villagers. They could take care of the rest themselves or just leave it as a defensive structure.
He patted Witch’s neck and she was off at top speed toward Blackwater. It’d take most riders and horses at least half a day but for him, he figured he could make it in four hours or less since Witch was getting faster by the day. He couldn’t wait.
CHAPTER 3
Blackwater was a large circular city with a wide river flowing down the center of it dividing it into an east and west side.
On the river itself was Blackwater Keep where Princess Fiora Leaucault governed. She was a highly competent woman who was more than willing to use others to further her ambitions. She also happened to be his sister-in-law, sort of. King Leaucault had dozens of wives so it would be more accurate to call her his step-sister-in-law, if that was a thing.
And most importantly, she hated him.
But thanks to military mismanagement and an ongoing investigation into treason, corruption, as well as anything else the investigators could come up with, she was forced to rely on his assistance to eliminate monster threats throughout her territory.
That meant Frost was regularly visiting Blackwater.
The east side of Blackwater was home to the nobility, various religious officials, and wealthy merchants. Naturally, it was a gorgeous area of the city with well cared for streets, large brick manors, parks, and a bustling shopping district.
The west side of Blackwater wasn’t nearly as nice, although most of it was still much nicer than his village. The southwestern side was where a lot of guilds were located and the surrounding area was well cared for. Shops and restaurants lined the main road that stretched from the western wall of the city to the central keep and was always filled with commoners.
The most northwest portion of the city was a completely different story. The fact was commoners, nobles, and merchants still needed people to clean sewers and act as maids. Naturally, these servants needed a place to stay which was the demihuman district.
It wasn’t a bad area really. Frost had seen truly bad areas in his own world and compared to them the demihuman section of the city was paradise. But the homes were still overcrowded, the streets were often dirty, and the various structures were in a state of constant disrepair.
There was also the natural discomfort and distrust that resulted from living in a cramped area with limited resources. That discomfort pushed people to group together for safety which quickly evolved into gangs and finally evolved into mafia-like families.
It was also Frost’s favorite section of Blackwater thanks to one beautiful establishment, Madam Gardenia’s brothel. A large well cared for building in a peaceful slice of the demihuman district.
“Welcome Herald Frost!” Willow quickly abandoned the patron she was flirting with and ran toward Frost as soon as he walked in.
The busty blonde elf nearly popped out of her tight violet top as she wrapped her arms around him. Her soft chest pressed against him as she started to drag him toward a booth in the corner, the entire time giving the other courtesans threatening looks. “Would you like something to drink? Some food? Your usual room?”
“Drinks are fine Willow,” Frost chuckled as the elf looked around for available courtesans to join them while sliding into the booth. Dahlia and Aster were the first two to find ways to abandon their current patrons and join them.
Dahlia was a beautiful golden-haired Durra with pale skin and a gorgeous smile. Like most Durra her proportions were rather lascivious and her outfit left little to the imagination. Her white brassier was frilly and barely contained her chest while her skirt barely covered her plump ass. The wagging of her fluffy golden tail caused the white skirt to fly up revealing her lacy pink underwear every few seconds.
“Herald Frost,” Dahlia giggled as she practically shoved Aster out of the way to take the spot on his free side. The black-haired Myrran gave Dahlia an evil glare before grabbing a bottle of liquor from a passing waitress.
“Hey!”
“Get another one,” Aster said while sliding across the table and sitting directly in front of Frost. The smirking Myrran spread her legs revealing the black lace panties hidden beneath her red sarong. She placed the bottle strategically between her legs blocking his view as she looked down at Frost. She smiled and slid the shoulder strap of her black lace brassier down her shoulder. “Would you like a drink Herald Frost?”
“Thanks,” Frost laughed while reaching for the bottle.
“Ah-ah-ah,” Aster chided while pulling the cork from the bottle with her mouth and spitting it at Dahlia. She took a drink of the wine and placed the bottle behind her back before leaning over. Frost quickly took her lips and with it the drink of wine as the Myrran briefly slipped her tongue into his mouth. “Much better this way, don’t you think?”
“You know the rules Aster,” Willow said feigning civility as she pulled his hand beneath the table and guided it between her warm legs. “Whoever gets Herald Frost first gets him.”
“Is that a new rule because of last time?” Frost asked remembering his previous visit when two of the courtesans ended up being dragged out after a dispute turned violent.
Frost knew they didn’t love him as much as they loved his money. He frequently purchased entire nights and while a good portion of the time was spend having sex, a lot of it was just cuddling and sleeping. It made him a particularly sought-after patron and sometimes caused issues between the girls.
“You can also request specific people,” Willow mumbled while pouting. “If you don’t want us…”
“Did we do something wrong?” Dahlia pouted.
“We can get along,” Aster nodded. “We promise.”
“Madam Gardenia said you’re one of our very important customers,” Willow pouted. “So you can ask for whoever you want.”
“Where is she anyway?” Frost asked while glancing around the bustling brothel.
“Herald Frost,” Madam Gardenia smiled as she looked down on him from the second-floor railing. “I hope you’re not trying to convince more of my girls to come to your village.”
“Trying?” Frost smirked at the elegant redhaired fox-woman. “If I were trying, you’d be out of business.”
Madam Gardenia’s twin fox tails swayed back and forth as she walked down the stairs. She was wearing a red long elegant dress that accentuated her natural curves and black high heels. The sweetheart top showed off ample cleavage and the slit in her skirt nearly reached her waist.
She quickly walked down the stairs and headed straight toward his table. The three courtesans instantly became nervous as the fox-eared madam hovered over them.
“Just the person I wanted to see,” Frost said while staring at her red fluffy fox tails. “I’ve missed you.”
“You mean you missed my girls,” Madam Gardenia laughed. “Speaking of which, are these three getting along?”
“We are,” all three said simultaneously.
“Herald Frost?” Madam Gardenia asked. “As you know, you can request any woman in this establishment. So, if you wish to change out or…”
“Any woman?” Frost smirked. “What about you?”
All three of the courtesans turned to look at Madam Gardenia as the fox-eared woman stifled a laugh.
“Herald Frost,” Madam Gardenia smiled and shook her head. “If you wish to lay with a Kina woman there’s always little Lilium. I admit, she’s not very experienced but she’s very beautiful.”
“I want you,” Frost said while thinking of the youthful golden fox-girl that Madam Gardenia always offered whenever he approached her. “At this point I feel that you’re rejecting me to drive up your price.”
“Herald Frost,” Madam Gardenia smirked impishly. “It has nothing to do with price. I am priceless.”
“I know,” Frost laughed. “The last time I was here I offered you one thousand rel and you turned me down.”
“One thousand rel?” Willow said in disbelief as the courtesans stared at Madam Gardenia.
“You turned down a thousand rel,” Aster said. “That’s what I make in a year!”
“Did you have to say that out loud?” Madam Gardenia laughed while shaking her head at Frost. She smirked at the dark-haired Myrran sitting on the table. “What? Do you not think I’m worth that much?”
“An evening with Rose goes for under fifty rel,” Dahlia said while gesturing upstairs. “And she’s your best courtesan!”
“Look what you started,” Madam Gardenia smirked at Frost. She tried to feign indignance but they both knew that once word got out that he was willing to pay a thousand rel for Madam Gardenia she’d only earn more of their respect. “I’m going to hear about this all week.”
“I doubt it,” Frost smirked.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Madam Gardenia glared at him suspiciously. “Do you intend to offer more?”
“No,” Frost grinned while gesturing for Willow to let him out. The elf reluctantly moved allowing him to exit the booth and stand beside Madam Gardenia. He removed his cloak and folded it over his arm revealing a fine suit that Lishri had crafted for him. It was a perfectly tailored black three button suit with silver embroidery along the borders. “I’d like to take you to dinner at the Golden Stag.”
Not a single one of the courtesans made a sound as they looked on in disbelief.
“They don’t allow demihumans in there,” Madam Gardenia said while tapping the table. Her eyes darted around the room as several courtesans watched them. They obviously overheard Frost’s request and were waiting for an answer. “They certainly wouldn’t allow you…”
“The owner of the Golden Stag doesn’t have your level of conviction when it comes to rel,” Frost smiled. “What do you say?”
“What would your wives say if they found out?” Madam Gardenia smirked.
“Brynn’s going to be furious,” Frost laughed. “But Desdemona and Lishri will be understanding.”
“Lishri?” Aster asked while glancing around the room. “You mean the Arachne that used to own that clothing shop?”
“That would be her,” Madam Gardenia chuckled at the confused Myrran. “But what makes you think I want to go out for an evening with you Herald Frost?”
“What?” Dahlia hopped up from her seat. “You have to go!”
“Yeah!” Willow said while pointing at Frost. “He’s asking you out on a date!”
“Nothing makes me think that,” Frost answered. He’d been chasing Madam Gardenia for a month and he decided the only play he had left was a legitimate date. She was always very clear that she wasn’t for sale but she never said that she didn’t date. “That’s why I’m asking.”
“Hmm,” Madam Gardenia looked him up and down. “What if I say no? Are you going to stop coming here? Are my girls going to be punished?”
“Really?” Frost laughed and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I’ll just head on over to one of the other demihuman brothels in Blackwater.”
“I thought we were the only brothel with demihumans,” Dahlia said while looking around. “Did a new one open up?”
“No,” Aster said while sliding the bottle to the golden-haired Durra.
“You could always go to one of the nicer brothels on…”
“There are no nicer brothels,” Frost smirked while shaking his head. “Your girls are the prettiest in the city.”
“Aww,” Willow said while wrapping her arms around him. “You’re always so nice to us.”
“You have to go out with him madam,” Aster pleaded.
“And it might be your only chance to eat at the Golden Stag!” Dahlia said.
“You should go,” an elf chimed in from nearby.
“Go have fun madam,” a Florenne girl said as she walked past with drinks.
“I’ve already paid the owner,” Frost smiled. “I’d hate for that money to go to waste.”
“Fine,” Madam Gardenia answered. She looked down at her dress with a frustrated expression and sighed. “I do need to change though. This isn’t exactly appropriate for a place like that.”
“I’ll wait,” Frost smiled.
“Yeah,” Aster pawed at his arm while gently pulling him back toward the booth. “We’ll wait right here.”
“We’ll only touch him a little,” Willow teased while pushing Frost into the booth.
“Don’t take too long though,” Dahlia scooted up next to him. “Or we may have to take him upstairs.”
As soon as Madam Gardenia vanished up the stairs the courtesans were swamping the table speaking over each other. Most of them ended up arguing about what her favorite colors, foods, and drinks were while others recommended gifts like jewelry or clothing.
“Hey!” Rose, Madam Gardenia’s head courtesan, yelled from the bannister. “Get back to work!”
“Boo!” several of the disgruntled workers shouted back before making their ways back to their patrons or the stage. Some of the women muttered various profanities under their breath while others stuck to threats.
Frost waited with Dahlia, Aster, and Willow at the table as the women began rattling off more likes and dislikes although the women couldn’t agree on those. Frost’s guess was that the fox-woman tailored her personality to suit the person she was dealing with.
When Madam Gardenia came back downstairs the courtesans immediately began playfully whistling and catcalling her. The redheaded fox rolled her eyes as she made her way to the table. She was dressed in a jade promenade maxi dress with gold floral embroidery. The skirt was long and flowy with two layers, the inner layer was a solid green skirt with a long slit up the leg while the outer layer was a transparent lingerie type fabric decorated with golden flowers. The top was low cut but elegant and it was clear she wasn’t wearing a brassiere, not that she needed one. He couldn’t help but notice how perky the fox-eared woman’s breasts were.
“You look beautiful,” Frost smiled politely while staring at her two enormous fluffy tails. He wanted to ask her how she managed to get them through a hole in the skirt but figured it’d be impolite. “I guess I should say more beautiful than usual.”
“Aww,” Aster said in a sincere tone. Despite the obvious sincerity Frost couldn’t help but feel a little bit embarrassed.
“Thank you,” Madam Gardenia said as Willow moved to let Frost out of the booth again. “And since you’re obviously wondering, there are extra buttons.”
“What?”
“Extra buttons,” Madam Gardenia turned around and pulled her tails to the side and he realized what she was talking about. The rear of the skirt was almost like the front of men’s trousers except without the zipper allowing her tail to easily slip through. “I figured it’s better to tell you now so you don’t spend all evening thinking about it.”
“You’re probably right,” Frost said with a defeated sigh. He picked up his red cloak and draped it over himself before offering to help Madam Gardenia with her gold cloak. “Is there anything you need to do before we leave?”
“No,” Madam Gardenia stared at Rose leaning over the bannister. “I imagine Rose will be able to handle any issues here.”
“Good,” Frost smiled. “Shall we?”
“We shall,” Madam Gardenia smiled while hooking her arm in his. “While we walk there, we can pick up our conversation from your last visit.”
“You mean the brothels you want to place in my territory?” Frost chuckled.
“Venues,” Madam Gardenia corrected. “Whether they become brothels is yet to be decided.”
“Sure,” Frost chuckled. “We can talk about it.”
CHAPTER 4
Frost regretted not renting a carriage as they arrived at the Golden Stag on horseback. He was so used to traveling everywhere on horseback it never even occurred to him that it was considered low class. Only when the various nobles pointed at him and chuckled did he realize that it was an issue.
Even the nobles that were walking there on foot gave them judgmental looks. In hindsight, simply having to ride there was a sign that they didn’t belong. Most of the nobles lived a few blocks from the venue so needing to travel in meant you lived in a poorer district.
“Sorry,” Frost sighed while trying to force a smile. He held out his hand to help Madam Gardenia off Witch. The elegant fox rode side-saddle in front of him without a single complaint the entire way. “I should have rented a carriage.”
“Do you really think it would have made a difference?” Madam Gardenia stifled a laugh. “I appreciate the sentiment Herald Frost but there’s nothing you could have done to spare us from judgment.”
“Fair enough,” Frost smirked as a valet approached him intending to take Witch to the stables. Before Frost could object the young man touched her reigns and the furious mare rose to her hind legs intending to crush the poor kid’s skull. “Witch, no.”
The angry mare snorted while returning to the ground without smashing the kid’s head. The valet trembled as he released the reigns and looked at Frost for guidance.
“Sir,” the valet muttered out. “I’m afraid we may not be able to…”
“Witch,” Frost gently stroked her neck. “Follow the kid and be good. If anybody tries to steal or hurt you, you have permission to kill them.”
