They entered the brothel. The floors creaked with each step, and the interior was far from well-maintained. A few of the walls had holes in them, and Fennel could have sworn he saw a rat scurry past.
The tables were decorated with lit candles, which illuminated the faces of the patrons of the establishment.
Near the entrance, a woman with long, silver-toned hair, yellow eyes, wide hips, and a fluffy, white tail leaned over with her palms against the table. She looked at a muscular feline male seated next to it.
Oliver nudged Fennel's arm and pointed toward the woman. "My mother."
Fennel nodded. The woman did resemble the bard.
Oliver grabbed Fennel's hand again and led him to the counter up front. Behind the counter, an older woman with wrinkles and graying hair sat. She didn't say a word. She simply nodded at the two to acknowledge them.
"What is her name?" Fennel leaned in close and whispered.
"Charlotte," Oliver whispered back. "She's a crotchety old woman. Don't let her bother you."
"Does she work here?"
"My mom allows her to do accounting and serve drinks," Oliver groaned. "She felt bad for her, so that's the only reason she's here."
"You aren't fond of her?"
"Not at all."
Charlotte frowned. She could hear every word they spoke of her. She kept her eyes on them as Oliver's mother approached the counter. She flipped her hair, and her curvy hips swayed side-to-side.
"Oliver!" She gasped, then gave him a great big hug.
"Mother," Oliver smiled.
"Where were you?" She pulled away from the hug, her hands against his forearms.
"I have exciting news, but I want to introduce you to someone." The bard gazed down at the prince. "This is Fennel."
Fennel's green eyes locked on the woman's pretty yellow ones. He bowed to her.
The woman moved her hand to her mouth and giggled. "My, my, you are polite. It's not often a man bows to me."
"Ah, well," Fennel began as he stood up straight. "I wanted to greet you properly."
"Thank you, darling," she cooed. "My name is Marigold. Just call me Mari."
"Miss Mari, it is a pleasure," Fennel smiled.
"Where did you pick up this boy, Ollie?"
Fennel snickered. He thought the nickname Mari used was quite endearing. He wondered if Oliver enjoyed being called Ollie.
"Could we go speak about it elsewhere?" Oliver asked her. "I have a lot to tell you."
"Sure," she gestured, leading them to another room.
They walked through the halls, then made their way to a private room near the back. Mari took a seat at the worn-down table. Oliver followed suit.
Fennel gave her a subtle nod, then took a seat next to the bard.
"Ollie, don't keep me in suspense," Mari grinned as she looked at her son. "I want to know everything."
"Do you remember the night the king died?" Oliver asked.
"Oh, that good-for-nothing fool?" She asked, furrowing her brows. "You know I don't care, plus I was out of town that night."
Fennel's eyes widened. He hadn't heard anything but good words about his father. He wondered why Oliver's mom didn't have good things to say about him.
Oliver, on the other hand, was internally thanking his lucky stars. Fennel wasn't the ruthless type who would have her executed for a negative opinion.
"Mother, please," Oliver begged.
"No," She sighed. "But yes, he's dead. What of it?"
"I played on the hill outside the castle that night," Oliver began. "I met Fennel there. He said he enjoyed the piece I wrote."
"Aw," she cooed, looking at Fennel. "I'm glad you have a fan."
"Excuse me," Fennel interjected. "What made you dislike King Felix?"
"Look at this place," Mari gestured. "We are poor and have nothing. Plus, the crime here is outrageous. The southern slums have zero protection from the knights. I have never in all my years of living seen them patrol these areas."
Fennel looked down at his lap. He knew the people of the slums lived in poverty, but he didn't know the knights didn't even provide protection to the area. It made him feel bad for all the citizens living in the area.
Something had to change for those people.
"Mother," Oliver sighed. "Fennel is not a fan."
Fennel was definitely a fan.
"Then what is he?" Mari asked with a confused tone.
"He's our next king," Oliver stated matter-of-factly.
"Don't lie to me, dear," Mari said, staring at her son.
"It's not a lie," Oliver insisted. "He offered me the position of court bard. I came home to tell you the good news that night, but you were still out of town. I didn't have the opportunity to come back to visit until I suggested that he visit the place."
Mari gasped. Her eyes narrowed at the young royal. "I am so sorry for my words about the late king."
"Please don't apologize," Fennel replied, holding up his hand. "I want to understand every citizen's point of view."
"T-Thank you, your highness," Mari stammered out.
"Fennel provided me with an amazing position, and for that, I am eternally grateful," Oliver smiled.
"You call the prince by his given name?" Mari asked.
"I'm not one who wishes to uphold the title in a private setting," Fennel explained. "I told him to address me by my name. I much prefer it."
It was somewhat the truth, but more than that, Fennel just wanted Oliver, and Oliver alone, to be close to him, and he felt closer when the bard said his name.
"I'm so glad," Mari whispered, looking down at the table. "I knew Ollie was talented, but I never would have dreamed."
"I'm lucky," Oliver grinned. "I am very thankful. I did learn from the best."
"Please," Mari laughed. "I only taught you the basics. It was your skill alone that managed to get you this. This is the best thing a mother could ever hope to hear."
Fennel wanted to keep him close. Forever. He was talented, and the song he played was the beginning of what made him fall for the bard, but he would keep that to himself. He was sure the mother and child might faint if he said such a thing.
"Miss Mari," Fennel said. "I will be king tomorrow. As soon as I am able, I will assign protection to this area."
Both silver-haired felines stared at the prince in complete disbelief. Their entire lives had been filled with disorder because of the rampant crime. They couldn't believe Fennel was willing to provide them with a sense of security just like that.
"Y-Your majesty!" Mari gasped. "I could never ask for such."
"I know," Fennel frowned. "You didn't, nor did you need to ask. It feels like the right thing to do. I wish for all of Charoux citizens to be able to sleep securely through the night without worrying about being robbed, or worse, murdered."
"T-Thank you, your highness," Mari bowed her head.
"It is the least I can do," Fennel nodded. "My father did a lot of good things, but not ensuring protection for all people was a mistake. I wish to fix his mistakes."
Oliver relaxed in his chair. He looked at Fennel and couldn't help but smile. The prince was going to make an amazing king. He was willing to get into unfamiliar situations and learn about the people of the kingdom and their various issues, needs and wants.
He knew the prince lacked self-confidence. He wished Fennel was able to have faith in himself. Even if he had any doubts before, Oliver realized his king would be an amazing leader for Charoux.
Mari would end up spreading the word, her son was sure of it. The promise alone would be enough to change the opinion of many slum-dwellers about the royal rule over them.
"I have no way to repay you," Mari whispered. "I wish there were something I could do."
"I have a suggestion," Oliver said, looking toward Mari.
"What would that be?" She asked.
"Prepare dinner for us this evening," Oliver warmly smiled. "I would like Fennel to try your delicious cooking."
"B-But would it be good enough for the prince?" Mari asked with a worried look on her face.
"Yes," Fennel smiled at her. "I would enjoy tasting your meal."
"This is a huge honor, your highness," she said as she stood up from her seat. "I will make the best meal I am able to offer. I promise."
"It will be wonderful," Fennel said. "Do not stress over it."
Mari felt a spark of determination. She now wanted to cook for the lovely future king. He had given her a new sense of hope. She hadn't felt so much hope in many years.
She nodded.
Fennel felt satisfied. He was glad he was able to promise something of importance to the people. He also looked forward to the meal he would have with Oliver and Mari.