Empress of the Underworld by Gilbert L. Morris Read Free Book Online

green stone that glittered under the light.
    â€œI think you’re ready now,” Luna said.
    At that moment, a knock came at the door.
    When Luna opened it, the prince stood there. He was clothed in white with scarlet trim on his uniform. Gold buttons adorned it, and he looked more like a prince than anyone she’d ever seen.
    He smiled. “You look beautiful!” He came in and took her hand. “Let me take you to the Empress of the Underworld.”

5
    Empressof the Underworld
    A s Abbey entered the magnificent banquet room, its glittering beauty made her catch her breath. The ceiling was very high, giving the impression of enormous size. The walls were elaborately carved, showing scenes of, she supposed, the history of the Underworld. There were battles and scenes of empresses and kings in state, all carefully carved into the solid greenish rock.
    Suspended from the ceiling were immense chandeliers. Tiny candles burned in them like miniature diamonds. Their light flickered over the room below, and as Lothar led her forward, she saw that the tables were filled with richly dressed men in uniform and women wearing beautifully colored dresses. She felt every eye on her.
    â€œI’m a little nervous, Prince Lothar.”
    â€œDon’t be,” he said cheerfully. “Just hold my arm. Come now, and we’ll introduce you to the empress.”
    â€œWhat do I call her?”
    â€œHer name is Fareena. You can call her simply Empress.”
    On a raised platform was a table covered with a white cloth. On it golden dishes and silver utensils gleamed, and in the exact center of the platform sat a woman such as Abbey had never seen.
    â€œThis is Empress Fareena, ruler and master of the Underworld,” Lothar said. “And this, My Empress, is Abbey. She has graciously consented to be our guest.”
    Empress Fareena was a beautiful woman with pale skin, jet black hair, and the most penetrating green eyes that could be imagined. She wore a scarlet gown and a huge diamond solitaire on her right hand that winked and flashed with each movement. Her dress was low cut, and a glowing green stone hung from around her neck. It was intricately engraved with the sign of a serpent, Abbey saw, on its surface. Remembering herself, she curtsied low and said, “I’m honored to be here, Empress Fareena.”
    â€œCome closer and let me look at you, my child.” The empress watched the girl approach and smiled. “You have chosen a beautiful representative, Prince Lothar.”
    â€œYes, I do have good taste, don’t I?”
    The empress smiled again, then said, “Be seated. We are ready to begin the banquet.”
    Lothar escorted Abbey to one end of the table, seated her, then walked around and sat across from her.
    As soon as they were seated, the empress said, “We did not have time to have a full company, but such as we have, you are welcome to, my dear Abbey.”
    â€œOh, I can’t imagine anything more welcoming than this.”
    â€œYou like our kingdom, do you?”
    â€œI’ve never seen anything like it,” Abbey said, her eyes glowing. “I was all wrong—I thought that any kingdom underground would be dirty and ugly, but this is beautiful.”
    â€œI’m glad you find it so,” the empress said with satisfaction. “The prince has told you something of our history?”
    â€œYes, a little, but there’s much I don’t know.”
    â€œThen we will inform you, but first we will eat.”
    Immediately a procession of servants, all of them pale and undersized—and looking very thin and hungry—began to file by, carrying silver and golden vessels. The sadness of their faces was in violent contrast with the setting.
    These must be the Underlings, the slaves , Abbey thought.
    None of them smiled, and they kept their heads lowered.
    When a younger servant dropped a fork, the empress hissed at him. “You fool! Be