I hadn’t spent much of my spare time frequenting taverns in the Otherworld—hadn’t the time as a youngling—but by my standards, this was by far the most presentable. These types of places were often much the same—the same ale smell, same wooden benches, same food on the menu. They were pit stops for weary travelers passing through, or locals wishing to get drunk and enjoy an evening of live entertainment. They served a purpose, much like the lounge I’d built in the human realm, and I couldn’t find fault with that. Though it was refreshing to not have my boots sticking to the floorboards, or the scent of vomit clinging to my nostrils. Whoever ran this establishment did so with pride, care, and attention to detail, and it was especially reassuring to feel the vibration of defensive wards by the door.

There was an older naga behind the bar, humming a simple tune, a cloth in one hand and a tankard in the other. I wasn’t sure who she was in relation to the place, as we hadn’t left our room since sneaking in through the back door yesterday evening. I knew nothing of our hosts, hadn’t had the presence of mind to probe Cee or Gary for details, and I felt somewhat guilty about it.

Especially since I had yet another request to make of them.

I strode toward the bar, and she lifted her head, the humming subsiding as a polite smile formed over her scaled mouth. “Your Highness.” She nodded, and a strand of her gray-flecked red hair fell from underneath the floral-patterned bandanna she wore. She continued with her task. “What can I do for you?”

“I wished to thank you for your hospitality,” I said, which was half the truth, but I knew Luca would scold me if I didn’t practice pleasantries first.

I forgot how human he was sometimes.

“It’s no hardship,” she offered, her voice a deep, throaty hiss. “I must admit, having a royal under my roof won’t be bad for business.”

I hummed, pretending the silence of the room proved her statement otherwise. The sound must not have hit the correct note as she snorted. “I thought you might appreciate peace and privacy,” she explained. “Only myself, my two mates, and a few of the staff remain.”

My assumption had been correct then. “Thank you. You will be compensated.”

“As I informed your comrades, I have no need for anything.” She set down the tankard in her hand, giving me her undivided attention. “It is our pleasure to serve you and your mate, my prince. We are honored to have you grace our humble bar, and I wish only for your contentment.”

“Your loyalty is valued,” I said, knowing it was not enough but was all I could offer. No words could do justice to how grateful I was to have the support of my people, and I could only hope to live up to their expectations and strive to deserve that allegiance. “Though I fear I must impose on you further.”