NOVEL NEXT Chapter 254. The Orc Palace I
Dragon King's Harem Chapter 254. The Orc Palace I
"Congratulations on your victory, Your Majesty," they said, their voices low and respectful.
I nodded in response, not breaking my stride. I knew that I had to make a good impression here, to show these proud warriors that I was worthy of their respect and allegiance.
The orc leaders fell into step behind me, their heavy footsteps echoing on the stone floor of the palace courtyard. Eir and Guillotine flanked me on either side, their weapons at the ready. They knew that even in the midst of all this pomp and circumstance, we were still in the midst of a war.
We stepped into the festive palace, and I was welcomed by a grand display of decorations that illuminated the hallways. The palace was adorned with colorful banners, each representing a different clan of the orc tribe. I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate designs that decorated the walls and pillars.
As we walked through the palace, the sound of music and cheers filled the air. The orcs had gathered to welcome their new king, Burz and they did so with great enthusiasm. I could see that they were genuinely happy.
Despite the festivities, I remained cautious. I knew that danger could lurk around every corner, especially when dealing with orcs. I kept my guard up, carefully scanning the area for any signs of a potential threat.
Based on my observation, I noticed that there were more orcs here than in the city. The maids and servants were mostly orcs, and the soldiers who guarded the palace gates were all heavily muscled warriors. But what struck me as odd was the complete absence of any children or elderly people.
It was a strange observation, and it only added to my growing sense of unease. I suspected that they were using this festival as an opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the dragons.
Surrounded by the orc leaders and my own companions, Burz stepped forward to address the crowd. His deep voice carried a sense of respect and admiration as he spoke.
"Your Majesty, we cannot express our gratitude enough for what you have done for our tribe. Your victory in battle has given us the freedom we have longed for generations. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
The other orc leaders nodded in agreement, their faces stern but respectful.
"As the leader of our tribe," Burz continued, "We will do whatever it takes to maintain the peace and freedom you have given us."
His words were met with cheers from the orc crowd.
I nodded my head in appreciation, acknowledging their praise. "I am honored to have earned your trust," I replied, my voice firm but friendly. They had their act, I also had my act.
The orc leaders bowed their heads in gratitude, and Burz stepped forward to offer me a ceremonial gift - a sword made of the finest orc steel, encrusted with jewels and intricate engravings.
"This is our most prized possession," he said, handing it over to me. "May it serve you well, Your Majesty."
I took the sword and examined it closely, observing the craftsmanship and the weight of the blade.
"Thank you," I said, sheathing the sword at my side. "I will treasure it always." Then I handed it to Eir.
The orcs led me into the heart of the palace, where a lavish feast had been prepared in my honor. I took my seat at the head of the table and they followed me to sit down in their seats.
We ate. A troupe of dancers entered the room, their flowing costumes and graceful movements adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise rough and rugged atmosphere. I watched in fascination as they performed intricate steps and twirls, their bodies seemingly defying the laws of physics.
I couldn't help but ask about the negotiations, eager to get down to business. “What about the negotiation?” I reminded Burz.
But the orc prince Burz, who was seated beside me, simply laughed and told me to relax. "There will be plenty of time for that later," he said, his voice deep and rumbling. "For now, let us enjoy the fruits of your battle and take a rest. You have taken a long journey to reach this place and we still have a grand celebration tonight.”
I frowned and turned to him. “A grand celebration?” I asked. That sounded like a clear trap.
Burz gave me a friendly smile. " Yes. And you must attend, Your Majesty," he said, his voice low and intense. "It is a chance for our people to come together and celebrate this new era of peace. You must be there."
"I will think of it," I said, my voice uncertain.
Burz fixed me with a steely gaze. "You must be there," he repeated. "The people need to see you, to know that you are committed to this peace as much as we are. If you are not there, it will be seen as a sign of disrespect."
I nodded. "Fine," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I will be there."
Burz nodded, his face unreadable. "Thank you," he said simply.
My gaze turned toward the middle of the hall, where another group of dancers had started performing. At first, it seemed like a typical dance, with the performers moving gracefully to the music. However, my attention was soon diverted as the dancers began to remove their clothes, revealing more skin with each passing moment.
I felt my eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I watched the dancers with a mixture of curiosity and discomfort. This was certainly not what I had expected from an orcish celebration. The dancers moved with fluid grace, their bodies glistening with sweat as they swayed to the music. It was a mesmerizing performance, but also a strange one.
The dancer, with long flowing hair and sultry eyes, caught my attention as she moved in graceful arcs and sensual twists. Her movements were captivating, but as she caught my gaze, she offered a flirtatious smile that quickly turned into a sultry expression.
Her eyes glistened with mischief as she slowly moved towards me, her hips swaying in a hypnotic rhythm. She did not attempt to hide the fact that she was trying to seduce me.
Despite her beauty, I remained stoic, my expression cold as I offered nothing more than a brief, disinterested glance. Her efforts were wasted on me, and I felt a sense of disgust at her blatant attempts to manipulate me.
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