Chapter Four
Jucai escorted me down to his tower's entrance and around a corner. At the end of the corridor, he opened the coral-studded door of my guest suite.
. The entry room held a sitting area in the center and a dining set against the right wall. A door in the left wall hung open, giving me a glimpse of a desk. Then I peered through the doorway directly ahead of me.
Walking across thick rugs that rivaled those of Zaru in both beauty and quality, I saw, but didn't stop to appreciate the silk wallpaper featuring stylized sea dragons, the tables made from polished red coral, or the enameled black chairs with red silk pillows.
The intricately carved coral cornices and crystal chandelier dripping with pearls couldn't hold my attention either.
I moved past it all in a daze, entering a bedroom done in deep blue and black.
With the dark design, the bedroom didn't stand a chance of diverting me from my destination—a glass wall that curved inward.
I crossed the room to it and peered at the fish that swam past me.
The tank was too large for me to see across, but lights filtered through the water from all directions, illuminating fish, soaring coral, and stalks of kelp.
As I gazed down to the bottom of the tank, Jucai joined me.
“Is it too much for you?” Jucai followed my gaze to the sandy bottom of the tank.
“No, it's amazing.” I glanced at him. “Are there other rooms circling this tank? Is this the same one that backs the throne room?”
“Tank?” He frowned, but then his expression lightened. “You think this is a fish tank?”
“We're in the center of the city. What else could it be?”
“Did you not notice the tower that rises beyond the dome?”
I gaped at him. “Are you telling me that instead of an inner courtyard, your palace has an inner sea?”
“An inner sea channel would be more accurate. The glass is enchanted to keep out the cold and be indestructible. A metal grid covers the top so only smaller fish may enter. It's become a sanctuary for them.”
“There must be many rooms like mine.” I peered again through the water, trying to see across to the other rooms, but the columns shape and size inhibited spying.
“Yes, my throne room is one of them.”
“Amazing.”
“Thank you, it was my design.”
I looked at him in surprise. “You built this palace?”
“I didn't build it with my own hands, but I designed it. I even helped design the circulation system that pumps heat through the city. We use underground rivers of molten rock to heat the streets, our water, and even the air when it gets too chilly. They provide our kitchens with heat to cook as well.”
“Underground rivers of molten rock? You're talking about geothermal heat.”
“Yes, and we don't use it only for heat.” He went to a light cord hanging near the door and pulled it. The chandeliers came on. He waved to one of them . “That is not magical light. My people invented orbs that, when warmed, light up.”
I squinted at the chandeliers. “Not magical? How ingenious.”
“I prefer to use as little magic as possible. It can be unreliable.”
“But magic fuels the dome.”
“Yes, of course. Enchantment is necessary for the dome as well as this glass.” Jucai waved at the wall.
I stepped away from the wall, turning my back on the fish at last, and took in the room.
The bed was across from the glass wall, and I looked forward to falling asleep while watching the fish.
Blue velvet adorned the chaise lounge at the foot of the bed, but the rest of the room's textiles—including bed curtains, linens, and chair cushions—were all blue silk.
Black coral formed the bed frame and the foundation of other furniture.
Instead of feeling too dark, it felt tranquil thanks to the view.
Heading to a door in the right wall, I said, “Excuse me, Your Majesty.”
“That's the bathroom,” Jucai said. “The dressing room is through this door.” He motioned to another door on the opposite wall.
“Actually, I need to bathe, and I assume you have things to attend to.”
His eyes twitched. “I've set aside time for your visit.”
I paused in the doorway. “Oh, that's very generous. Thank you. I am honored to be shown such respect. Considering that, should I meet you somewhere?”
“Stay here.” The King headed for the outer room. “Bathe and dress. I shall return after I've done the same. Then we can have breakfast.”
“Wonderful. Thank you.” I bowed.
He waved over his shoulder as he left.
I rolled my eyes. Dragon kings on land were bad enough. Jucai took royal arrogance to a new level.
“I blame the harems.” I shut the bathroom door. “No man should have so many people waiting around just to get him off.”