Zinter was waiting patiently within the throne room when Dirthin and I entered. I forced myself to say nothing to him, until I reached the throne and desk. I moved a few things around, took something else from a drawer.
"Thank you for giving me some of your time." I said, signaling a chair to br brought for Zinter. Once it arrived, I invited him to sit. "A matter involving you has been brought to my attention. Any ideas as to what?"
"Your Majesty, I dare not imply that my mind can begin to guess what is on yours, but perhaps something to do with my holdings?" Zinter suggested.
"What have you in mind?" I asked.
"I'm sorry your Highness, I thought you'd gone through all of the documents and seen my requests for help with developing farm lands." Zinter said.
I huffed. "Well, yes. I did see those. I was hoping to illicit some other kind of reaction from you. Everyone seems rather scared of me, you see. But yes, it is about your lands."
He looked confused. "The rumors are you are punishing those that have not improved their lands. I simply wished to show I had made requests.. they've simply been denied."
"I understand that everyone has forgotten about the ruined town that was within your territory. Have you?" I asked, ignoring what he'd said.
"I have a ruined town in my territory?" He asked.
"You did. Some time ago, a large battle was held there with orcs as the invading force. An inventor living within the town made a machine that removed magic from the town, instantly killing everyone within it's walls. Nearly two months ago, I found it and fixed it. I have rice farms going on it, and some buildings being remade." I said. "And here is why I called you, in the next few months, I would like that place to be my residence, and I need to negotiate terms with you."
"Simply having royalty live on my piece of land would be quite payment enough. Did you want me to develope the area, or did you want to do it?" Zinter asked.
"You're more agreeable than I was expecting. And here I was going to try and bribe you." I said.
"I would never dream of forcing royalty to bribe me." Zinter said.
"If there is something you wish to do with the Southern half of your land, you're free to do so. It has flat land enough to easily developed it in any way you see fit. In your opinion, who should take over the Solon territory?" I asked.
"Might I suggest an even split between Sunder and Archet?" Zinter replied.
"You wouldn't want it?" I asked.
"Alas, I do not have the funds or the hands to expand my territory much. But split between those two the land should be prosperous and it's people well taken care of." Zinter said.
"Very well. I appreciate your candor. Pertaining to your lands, what assistance do you want, precisely?" I asked.
"Mostly I would need able bodies." He said.
I nodded a little. "I believe you can post a notice for such a request publicly, no?"
"I certainly can, now that most able bodies aren't being turned into slaves to whatever end." Zinter said.
I retrieved a coin from my bag. "In my homeland, the Isla Silver Reef, even if it's the Sovereign who wishes to use lands belonging to a noble, they must pay to inhabit those lands." I signaled Sangir to retrieve the coin from me and give it to Zinter. "I suppose it may not be the way of things here, but it is my way."
Sangir offered the platinum coin to Zinter. He accepted it. "I thank you for the coin, I will put it to good use."
"Why do all the nobility dwell within the capital?" I asked.
"I'd always assumed it was easier to keep track of us than way." Zinter said.
"Alright. I appreciate your time, Lord Zinter. I hope in the future you all can be less stiff with me." I said. "Feel free to brag about the Queen being covetous of your land."
"I believe I will." He said.
Recognizing his dismal, he excused himself with my blessings. Servants and spies were getting the palace ready to welcome the Sultan and whoever he brought with him. The cooks were also arranging things. The Lucky Stone had done excellent work in getting things together for it. And they'd been paid for every bit of that effort, including a short notice bonus.
After going over a bunch more papers and organizing things for the next day, I took all the papers from my desk, putting them in my bag, with the tree and tiger, and had the desk moved out of the throne room. We'd confer in the meeting room, after all. Without much else to do, I had dinner with Dirthin, then bathed with him.
Before dawn, when I woke, I kissed Dirthin awake. "Morning beautiful." He said, stretching.
I snuggled him, "Hey, handsome."
He snuggled into to me, giving me a kiss. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"I'm fine. Your cub is moving a lot. Like a butterfly in a cage." I said.
He chuckled. "I told you.. they are gonna be a fighter."
I got on top of him. "You're probably right." I stroked his face.
"What? Looking to relieve some morning stress?" He asked.
"If you want to. You're so cute right now." I said.
I felt him harden beneath me. "Cute am I?" He asked.
"So cute," I replied, getting very excited, "I'm a liar, I want it."
"Ooh, liars should be punished. I think I'm the man for the job." He said.
I kissed him, "Yeah," I rubbed his chest, adding a firm pressure to it. "You smell lovely."
He started massaging my legs. I hummed, in response. We were taking our time to feel each other, to tease and kiss each other. He'd just barely slipped inside me, when a servant knocked on the door, informing us through it that breakfast was ready. I ignored them, wiggling my hips and lifting his hands to my breasts.
He was torturously gentle with me, until I was begging him to help me. He changed our positioning, wrapping his arms around me, holding onto me and rolling us, so that he was in the more dominant position. He proceeded to give me exactly what I was needing, and I loved every second of it. Purring and holding onto him after we were done.
Sleepily, he said, "How long can we just stay like this?"
"A little longer. Sleep. I'll just hold you." I told him.
"Good enough." He said, falling back to sleep. After an hour and half, Dirthin woke up. "How long was I out?"
"Just over an hour." I answered.
"Ah, that's not too bad. I suppose we should get up and start our day, though. People may begin to panic." He said.
I smiled at him, "I don't mind if they panic. It might be amusing for a minute."
A knock sounded on my door. "Your Majesty, Raiden has sent your attire for the day along with a crown." Sangir's voice informed us.
"Yes, give me a moment." I said, as we got up.
After pulling on some simple clothes, we came out. Only for maids to take me into the dressing room and begin to dress me in the gown, jewels, and crown Raiden had sent. The gown was light blue silk, with diaphanous silk sleeves that trailed the ground like mist when I moved my arms. The bodice and skirt had intricate silver embroidery, along with silver flowers along it. The crown was platinum, with leaf and flower designs, inlaid with snowy pearls and blue diamonds.
There was no make-up to apply to me, my fur made me exactly as I was. They did add some floral scent to me, though. When I came back into view of Dirthin, he looked at me for a long moment and just said, "Wow."
"I look nice, then?" I asked, noting that my baby bump was barely noticeable with the way the dress was tailored.
"Nice is a very large understatement." He said.
"I imagine Raiden wanted me to look authoritative. I always felt this color scheme made me look frigid." I commented. "But I appreciate your gaze." I thanked the maids for their help.
I headed to grab is some snacks, and while we ate our snacks, Dirthin informed me he needed to help his brother. I nodded, making sure he ate his snacks first. Once he'd gone, I went through checking on everything. The most unfortunate thing was that I was in the middle of personally making lunch when the Sultan and his people arrived.
I ordered they be shown to the conference room, I didn't really care about which of the nobles from my side came. I finished what I was doing before asking how many had come. There were twenty four attendees. The Sultan, twenty of his people, three of mine. Causally, I headed to the conference room, with servants following, bringing food.
By the time I reached the conference room, I saw that people couldn't settle where to place themselves. Aside from Phintias, who just looked amused. I looked about the room, "You can all relax, it's not an us versus them. I've prepared a light meal from my homeland." I went to my seat, "I don't believe there are assigned seats, so do as Phintias has."
"See? I said to just sit down. Listen to your adviser." Phintias said.
Once everyone was sat, we were all served our meals. I set my hand on the table, "I am sure Phintias can authenticate what I am about to say, but the runes on this table are just to amplify my detect poison spell." I activated the runes and cast the spell. "I hope this will dispell thoughts of the food being unsafe. A word of caution, the red paste that is seperate is called gochujang. It is very spicy hot."
Phintias took a big glob of it and plopped it into the food. "This could be interesting."
Others were cautious or enthusiastic based on Phintias' reaction and their spice tolerance. The Sultan was restrained with the spice, but also very courageous. I did notice the desert dwellers did much better with spicy. His wife was feckless, nearly spilling the sauce when adding it. I pretended to not notice and added all the spice to mine.
Archet, one of my people, went red in the face after cautiously trying it. I gestured towards them, and Sangir handed him some greasy food, which I encouraged him to eat to cut the spice down, and then Sangir gave him some milk before backing up. Hiding my amusement was a little difficult.
"It's alright. It was brave to try it." I told Archet.
"If possible, I'd like to take some of this home. I will master it." Archet said.
"You may." I replied. I really didn't care.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." He said, using extreme caution with trying the spice now.
I inclined my head, accepting his words. Then turning my attention to the Southerners, "I hope your trip North was boring."
"With the gate back open, we were able to take a much safer road. So aside from a sandstorm, it was uneventful." The Sultan said.
My ear twitched at the mention of the gate. "I have heard of sand storms, I am glad you all made it here safely."
"Safely, yes. Sand free, not so much." Phintias said.
"Mm. Did you not use the portal as to not drag Hearthstone into issue?" I asked.
"Travel through the portal on diplomatic means was never part of the agreement. Whereas I am sure Isarial wouldn't mind, it would be improper." The Sultan said.
"That's important to know." I said. "I always appreciate insight into how others think."
"Did you wish to simply enjoy the meal, or get straight to business?" The Sultan asked.
"I don't see why both can't be accomplished if you wish. You may consider me inexperienced, but you are the senior ruler here. Both of this continent and not." I replied. "So feel free to take the lead."
He nodded and said, "You have come a long way since being forcefully brought to our shores. I'm happy we were able to meet.. So on to business. Trade negotiations are paramount during these talks. The North supplied us with much of our daily bread before the taxes on foreign trade soared through the sky. I was hoping to have this remedied."
"I have been reviewing such things, and I do have a question, what have you thought of the rice?" I asked, smiling, and giving him eye contact. Mainly trying to provoke his people.
A few people began speaking to each other quietly. The Sultan smiled, "My people have found that they quite like this rice. Is this something that you can bring in as a trade good? How costly is it to produce? And how much intensive labor would it take to grow?"
I couldn't keep the soft laughter from emerging. "I apologize for my laugh, little Isarial asked all those questions a week ago. Rice can be annoying to grow, but it is no more intense or expensive than buckwheat. It keeps longer, as well. Incidentally, you could make rice paddies, flooded fields, along the sea shore. There is a method to keeping it healthy in salt water."
"So you are saying it is easy enough to grow, and can be easily supplied. Can it be dried for storage? And if so, for how long?" He asked.
"Yes. Depending on storage method, it can be dried and kept up to ten years with no noticeable changes in taste or quality." I answered.
"Oh, my. That sounds like the perfect drought food." The Sultan said.
I said, "True. Anyways, I did organize some papers pertaining to trade and the rates involved with it, if you'd like to review it. But as far as the North and South being 'foreign' is a ridiculous notion to me. Should it please you to do so, I would suggest we unite the land."
"And how do you propose to do that?" The Sultan asked.
"No offense meant to your Lady, but the simplest way to unite our lands would be marriage." I said in a direct and casual manner, as if just speaking of the weather.
"Did you just come up with that plan?" Heint asked.
"It's a logical conclusion. I am pregnant, and I am not giving my cub up for adoption, or giving it to the father. Regardless of my title as Queen, that reflects in my homeland, I could very well die birthing my cub, revival will not be possible." I informed him, "Would the Sultan not take good care of the North?"
"Quite the opposite. He has always done fair trades." Heint said. "Speaking with his merchants and some of the people who came from there, he is an excellent ruler, unlike the one we had previously."
Sangir spoke up then, "Even with your condition, that is too favorable of an offer. I recommend against this action, Your Majesty."
"Heard and ignored, Sangir. If I fall, the Empire takes the Isla and the Sultan keeps control here." I shrugged.
"This is quite an offer. I will certainly not turn it down." The Sultan said. "Are you sure there are no terms you would like to add to this agreement?"
"The things I have set into motion, let them be the status quo.. Also, I ask that you don't hinder me from living in the location I wish to. The potential for trade between this continent and my Isla, along with it's rates will not be impacted by your decisions. I have set them to where I feel is more than fair currently.." I said. "Though, I am sure there are things you would like to discuss in a more private manner."
"Indeed, we can work out the fine details alone. Let's continue with our meal." The Sultan said.
I acknowledged what he said, and a dessert was soon brought. A mangosteen sticky rice. Which was quite unusual looking to these people. Phintias was the one to comment on remembering this type of dish, which after I showed it wasn't poisoned with the spell, is when others began to try it. The same merchants began chatting to one another again quietly.
It was a little amusing to see everyone trying foreign foods for the first time. Especially getting to taste the versatility of rice in this manner. Phintias mentioned the wines made from rice, and the distilled soju. I replied that it would be served at the banquet that night, and I hoped they'd enjoy it.
"Ah, to have soju again." Phintias said.
I chuckled. "Do you like dosoju, straight soju, or ones with fruit for extra sweetness?"
"Oh, it was straight soju for ages, then I became accustomed to the fruit." Phintias answered.
"I am typically more partial to dosoju. It's soju distilled with medicinal herbs. It had a nice scent." I explained to my guests.
"Well, we'll have to try all of these in moderation." The Sultan commented.
Once everyone had finished what they were going to of the meals, servants came and collected the dishes. I invited the merchants to freely wonder the city, at the Sultan's release, anyways, then I informed them on when the banquet would be held. Then I invited necessary people to a smaller room and ordered Sangir to set up the anti spy things.
Once it was set up, I dismissed Sangir, which he balked about, but I said, "I am fairly confident I am physically stronger than these two, and as for Phintias, he's not gonna hurt me. You'll be quite fine standing outside."
"It's most improper." He said.
"Sangir, you are loyal to Raiden, and Raiden is loyal to the Empire. This is an Isla and this continent conversation." I said directly. "I really don't want to take a firmer stance on this."
He sighed and left the room, "I will be just outside."
Once the door was shut, and the items activated, it sealed the room against over hearing, just like for Bibs' visit. "There. No eavesdropping."
"Oh, goodie." Phintias said.
"So what can we do to make your life easier in all this?" The Sultan asked.
I took out the documents for him, "That's difficult to answer because I'm pretty tired of fixing the problems the late king allowed. Did you know the South gate was filled with slaves?"
"What do you mean by 'filled with slaves'?" The Sultan asked.
"I mean Southerners, Northerners and even foreigners were enslaved and stored within the hallows of the walls, and in some cases between the double gates." I said.
"As part of the walls or alive inside it?" He asked for further clarity.
"Majority that were still there were recovered alive." I answered. "Incidentally, they are currently within the castle. I did not release them immediately after freeing them to allow them recovery time."
"I am sure those who still have families will thank you." The Sultan said.
"Quite the opposite thus far, I have just been engaging everyone. The merchants are passed, the nobles are scared, and the peasants want me to leave them alone, while also asking for funding." I informed him, then shrugged. "But then, I've always been vexing."
He chuckled. "Yes, the life of a ruler is typically nothing but to be vexing."
I noticed that his wife kept covering her mouth and adjusting her features. "You can laugh, you know. I really don't think anyone present will care. And if they do, I can boot them from the room."
The Sultan turned to her and gently agreed with me, saying, "You can laugh."
She glanced at him, then turned to me, "You have a lovely way of speaking."
"Oh, blame him. He granted permission for me to speak plainly." I replied, offering the papers of what I'd done thus far, the rewards, declarations and such. "I realize I shouldn't give you that yet, but I really don't care about what is proper."
He smiled, "That's good. That will make this a lot faster. It's good to know what I am getting into."
"That's merely what I have been doing. I could show you the log of complaints, but I left it in the throne room. It's two thirds completed." I said.
"I would very much like to see it, but it doesn't have to be right now. Was anyone injured during your coup?" He asked.
"When the idiot ordered we be arrested, I informed my people to harm no one who didn't bear arms. Any who did were killed." I said. "I don't believe there were any significant injury on my side, except for during the dragon incident."
"Yes, did anyone figure out why they were after Isarial?" The Sultan asked.
"No idea. I don't have much of an interest in that family, so I never bothered to ask." I said. "And Dirthin never informed me."
"Well, maybe I'll go pay them a visit." Phintias said.
"You don't have any interest in Dirthin's family?" The Sultan asked, sounding surprised.
"I do not. Isarial is an anomaly, and Snow Den is friendly, I suppose." I shrugged. I then frowned a little. "I suppose that does sound off. I had a less than typical upbringing for a royal."
"It would certainly sound that way. But that's alright. Not everyone has to be interested in anyone." The Sultan said.
I sighed a little. Pointing out my anti social behaviors wasn't helpful at the moment. I waited for him to finish reviewing my accomplishments. Which were then passed to Phintias to review.
"It seems you have been quite busy." The Sultan commented.
"I cannot believe he was keeping his entire kingdom poor and stupid." Phintias said.
"It is common practice for nobility to keep their serfs stupid. The stupid never question anything." I shrugged. "Then again, there are also those who feel that a thinking person is useless and people are better off using the energy to work."
"Hoh, the world is a strange place. You can't ever make any advances if you aren't learning." He said.
"It helps if there is the ease of life to allow for it." I said, taking out some different papers and offering them to the Sultan. "These are documents on what my Isla produces and what the costs to produce them are. Along with the things we can get from the Empire for here."
He went over the papers. He asked for clarification on things, which I gave. I also explained the Residuum refineries and whitestone mines that were within my control. Phintias seemed to perk up at the mention of the mines and refineries.
"You've got your hands on some handy resources." Phintias said.
"What are these resources used for?" The Sultan asked.
"There are a multitude of things it is used for. In my case, I use it, normally, when I lay down runes so that I may amplify my magicks. Whitestone stores magical energy within itself that when refined becomes little green glass like crystals that enhance Magick tools, and can be made into drugs to amplify wizards magics." I explained. "It can also be used to replace costly components to spells."
"See? Sounds expensive, doesn't it?" Phintias said.
"That certainly does sound like it could be extremely useful." The Sultan said.
"Incidentally, it is the Residuum that is used to allow rice to grow in sea water paddies." I said.
"Has it been used for any other purposes besides helping crops grow in harsh environments?" The Sultan asked.
"I'm not sure I understand what answer you hope for. Ask specifically." I said.
"I was curious if it could allow things to grow.. in say a desert." The Sultan said.
"Well, the simple answer is probably. Do you know an Archdruid?" I asked.
"I'm sure I could find one." He said.
"Rather than spending a few decades and testing on people, I may be able to speak with an Archdruid about reversing desertification." I said.
"Yes, uh, they might be able to do something about that. Archdruids are not exactly common." The Sultan said, "But if we may find one, they may help."
I took a small notebook out and wrote to send a note to the Archdruid at the Night Market. "I may not have been clear enough, but I do know where an Archdruid is. He likes to be around the Night Market in the Empire."
"A market at night?" The Sultan asked. "Most people would well be done with their shopping by then."
"Oh, I'm sure it'd stun you to see the Night Market. It's all abuzz every minute of every day with goods and foods from all over the world." I told them. "It's been around for forty-five years now and is like a never ending festival."
"That certainly does sound like an interesting time." The Sultan concluded.
"It's like your market in style, only it's five miles long, a mile and half wide." I said. "It's become difficult to go there again."
"Oh? Why is that?" The Sultan asked.
"Because I'm reigning queen now, instead of an ignored princess." I said. "Ah, I did send orders to alter the lands, by the way, Phintias. There's a few teams putting in trenches and raising certain lands to better handle floods."
"Oh, it's nice to hear all those plans I came up with all those years ago put into action." Phintias said.
"So, shall we discuss our marriage?" The Sultan asked.
"It would probably be the prudent thing to do." I said.
"What are the goals you have by marrying me?" The Sultan asked.
"The right to stay in these lands, as a ruler, as well as the freedom to travel the continent as I need. To have support when it's necessary, and to assist when asked." I said. "And to not have to deal with the kingdoms endless issues for much longer. I am not in the condition to be dealing with it."
"Endless issues. You make it ever so tantalizing to take over. Besides those, it is an easy agreement to make." The Sultan said.
"You lose nothing but the illusion of free time with this proposal. I am, of course, willing to assist you in most ways you wish, and provide support." I said.
"Indeed. When would you like to perform the royal wedding?" The Sultan asked.
"Mm. The most ideal would be soon. To give adequate time for everything necessary to get done, a month minimum should be sufficient." I said.
"If you are not in need of particular speed, we could make it two months." The Sultan said.
I smiled and stood up. I pulled my dress right in the back so that it hugs my frame snuggly. "I am at two months pregnant right now. For my race, it is the equivalent to three months of a humans pregnancy. In a month, it will be the equivalent of nearly five months. I will deliver in December or early January." I explained. "Dirthin is a cute little kitten compared to most Leonin, and I am basically a mini tigrine.. I don't think this cub is going to mirror our small statures, so it is better and safer for me to do all I can as soon as possible so that I can be best prepared for the cub."
"Well, then. A month it is." The Sultan said.
"I do apologize for the inconvenience. Also, you needn't claim my cub." I said, sitting back down.
"For ease of the cubs life, it would be best if I don't. I can agree with you there." He said. "On that subject, while we are married, there can be no other children from others. It would not be good for the realm, or the children."
"I am aware. In this case, I'll admit I was irresponsible. I understand my duty as a ruler, and I intend to fulfill my responsibility as a queen." I said.
He sighed and said, "I wish a ruler wasn't held to such a high standard at times."
"It is what it is." I said. "This continent is about to become a dual monarchy. Do you intend to change it's title?"
"I believe I will. I will use this month's time to come up with something." The Sultan said.
"It would be fine to announce it during the ceremony.. That said, I understand the church in Winter's Halt worships Pelor, they have sent notice that they are going to pay me a visit." I informed them.
"I.. try not to talk to them. They are not very understanding people." The Sultan said.
"... That does not bode well." I sighed, making a note in my notebook. "In that case, I will warn that I will defend myself. I'll request one of the four Kingdoms to the east if they can send missionaries."
"By all means, defend yourself." The Sultan said, "They shouldn't do anything too drastic."
My ears flicked back, ".. Do you know what this is?" I pointed to the symbol on the choker.
"Oh.. that's a problem." Phintias said. "You may need to send a representative.. or kill them all. Either way."
"What, precisely, is this? Why is it such a problem?" The Sultan asked.
I sighed a little. "This is a symbol of Asmodeus, it is unremoveable, and can not be hidden. It shows his possession of my soul."
"I would have to agree with Phintias again, you may want to send a representative." The Sultan said. "How did you come to be under the possession of Asmodeus?"