FOURTEEN: Around Every Corner

"Can we make this place the new capital of the Serin Empire?"

Kel rested her cheek against her hand as she happily chewed a piece of tender pink fish. She'd been told, by one of the half-naked women wandering around with trays, that the fish was called salmon. It was uncooked, but still soft, and covered in a delicious salty sauce.

"I never took you as the kind of person to think with your stomach," Calix chuckled, swiping a bite of the fish from her plate.

"I didn't either," Kel replied, quickly shoving the last of it into her mouth before the Emperor could strike again, "but I've now been enlightened."

In addition to the seafood, juicy sour fruits and silky desserts took their turn being scooped by her utensils. Everything was soft, but not mushy, with crisp flavors that were unlike anything she'd experienced before.