"No complaints, Your Majesty, we are well taken care of." The first head said.
"Except for when Adventurers try and steal our stuff and kill us." The second said.
"Yes, but that's our problem. Not theirs." The first said.
"Only because you won't let us eat them." The second noted.
"Is there no law that directly protects merchants from adventurers?" I asked, looking at the Sultan and Phintias.
"There certainly is in the Realm." The Sultan said.
"Adventurers get a little murder happy when they see monsters." Phintias said.
"I see. I will work on something to add more protections for Merchants against Adventurers. I will run them by you, Sultan, before finalizing and implementing them." I said. "Alright, if there is nothing else, you may go."
They gave a bit of a bow, "By your leave, your Majesties." And the second grumbled,"Yeah, yeah." Before they left.
I saw to a couple more before an old doddering man came in. He was clearly a wizard. "I believe you run the magic shop in East Haven. The late king avoided you." I noted.
He smiled, "I wonder why he never came over for tea. Probably because I never offered any, haha ha!" He laughed.
Amused, I said, "I appreciate your compliance with my unreasonable demand. I don't need to see you ledger."
"That's... Good. I would hate to have to piece it back together." The old wizard, Archimedes, said.
"I appreciate the protective runes you gave Enres for me. I can say that the override to the forbiddance has been easy for Isarial and Raiden to exploit, though." I said.
"Ah yes, I remember that. It's pretty easy to remember doing things for you in particular." Archimedes said. "And I could always give you a new set if you wish. That could really screw with people."
I chuckled. "Well, if you don't mind the work, you could look over the Wellspring Villa and apply proper protection to it. You would be compensated for the trouble."
"By proper protection, should I assume you want intruders dusted? You will need to hire someone with a broom." Archimedes said.
"Oh, maybe not so extreme." I said. "Perhaps general Forbiddance, Mage's Sanctum, and increase durability of walls. There is some forbidance magic on the Castle that I have noticed."
"Oh, fine, funny dud. I suppose I could just strengthen the wall. Or I could make a dome. Would look funny when it rained, though." Archimedes said.
My ear flicked, "It would prevent it from raining there?"
"The dome.. would. It's a dome. Think of it as a big fish bowl." Archimedes said.
"I would not be apposed to rain being prevented from falling within the walls. Would it hinder the trees from growing?" I asked.
"If you water it, everything will be fine." Archimedes said.
"Then a dome would be great." I said.
"I could add some extra layers if you want. But a dome is pretty easy." Archimedes said.
"Yes, please." I replied.
"Alright, you want this done around the ruined village where you're staying?" Archimedes asked.
"Yes. It's not very urgent." I said.
"Alright, was there anything else that you wanted me to do while I was there?" Archimedes asked.
I thought for a moment. "Yes, actually. How about a little spell on a table within the mansion, where if a particular item is set on it, it'll make an off-key humming sound all through out the house at the same background noise level until the item is moved off of it."
"That sounds truly awful. I will have it done immediately." Archimedes said.
I grinned as if praised. Phintias did not like this idea. "If I ever came around your place and heard that, I would destroy that table."
"Noted, change it from table." Archimedes said.
"What? It's an Asmodeus deterrent." I said.
"What if it was set off by accident?" Phintias responded.
"Oh, no. It would be very intentional." I said.
"Besides, there's much better deterrents for you." Archimedes said.
Phintias stared at Archimedes, "I know a few deterrents for annoying wizards, too, Archimedes."
"And how many times have they worked?" Archimedes responded.
"Technically they all worked. Just not for very long." Phintias replied.
I giggled, listening to the two talk. The Sultan looked quite done with the situation. "Would you like to retire for the night?" I asked him.
"I believe I would. It was quite the trip, and these two can keep up at it for hours." The Sultan said.
I stood, excusing us from the room, saying the men could use it as long as they'd like. "I believe your room will be upstairs. Would you like me to have someone show you to it, or would you like me to?"
"If you have other things to be engaged with, that's fine. Anyone can show me to my room." He said.
"No, I have finished for the day. I will show you." I said.
"Alright." He said. "If you don't mind, then yes. I would like to rest."
I nodded and brought him upstairs. "This is Pyla's room." I said, gesturing as I passed it. At the end of the hall was his, "This one is yours, and my own is across from Pyla's. Should you need anything, a bell inside will summon a servant, or you can come ask me."
"I very much doubt I'll be needing anything but a nice pillow." He said.
I smiled and nodded. "Good night, then."
"Good night, Vexie." He said, going into his room.
I headed to my own room, having maids assist me with undressing. Then they helped me bath, something I didn't ask for, but was actually relaxing. Once I was dressed I sat on the windowsill, reading until I dozed off. Perhaps because I was without Dirthin's warmth, but I woke up with the room pitch black.
With my devil's sight, I could see a person dressed in dark clothing creeping in the corner of my eye. I stretched, noting the person freeze. But they didn't retreat. That's when I realized they must be using magic darkness. I crossed the room appearing to be getting into bed.
Instead, I launched into an attack, tearing into the assassin with my claws. After I ripped their throat out with my claws, I left my room and ran across the hall to check on the Sultan's shaken wife, just in time to help a guard kill that assassin. Then I went to the Sultan's room, telling guards go secure the area.
I didn't bother with what was polite or proper. I just threw open his door. A huge golem that looked like sand and dirt was choking out an assassin. The Sultan flicked his hand and the golem snapped the assassins neck and wrapped around the Sultan.
I tsked. "This is a lot of sand. Your wife is fine. I don't think the caster of the darkness is nearby.. I'm having a sweep done."
He stepped out of the golem, "Ah, hello. Yes, these golem do tend to leave a bit of a mess. I should go check on the wife. I doubt I'll be doing much sleeping tonight. Do keep me updated."
"Can you even see?" I asked.
"Not even a little. I couldn't tell you where the door, nor the bed is." He admitted.
"I apologize for the assassins." I said, approaching him. I brushed my shoulder against his arm. "Place your hand on my shoulder. My hands are bloody.. I can see in any kind of darkness, I'll lead you to her."
He did as I asked. "That is appreciated. I would hate to make even more of a mess just trying to find my way around."
I led him carefully, ensuring he didn't bump into the door or walls. Returning to Pyla's room. We were entering her room when a sorta flash occurred and the magic darkness dissipated. I cringed slightly at the uncomfortable feeling. And used my magic to light up the room so the humans could see.
"Ah, that's better." The Sultan said.
"I think I am going to throw up." Pyla said, her eyes on the body. Then she did.
I'd kinda just looked at the mess for a second. Then used Prestidigitation to clean the mess us. I turned to leave, pausing when I noticed Phintias. I looked at him briefly, then past him. My tail flicked, and then I started crying. Why? Because he was in the way for me to go back to bed and sleep.
"Are you ok?" Phintias asked baffled.
"I'm tired. I want to go to bed." I cried. I almost wiped my face with my bloody hands, paused and used Prestidigitation to clean my hands, then wiped at my face. "But you're in the way."
"My apologies." Phintias said, understanding because of his wife, and moving, "By all means, head back to bed."
"Yes, Phintias, do move out of her way. She is clearly in need of her sleep. As do we all, besides you." The Sultan commented.
With the way clear, I headed out of the room, briefly touching my forearm to Phintias' arm as I passed him. Sangir finally came while I was trying to go to my room.
"Your Majesty, you should relocate your room for the night, to deter further attempts tonight." Sangir said.
This was too much for me. I began crying more. "I just wanna sleep."
"Oh, let her be." Phintias said. "I'll stand guard for the night, so she may sleep soundly."
"You're not vetted." Sangir said, frowning at him. He looked at me, shook his head and called his brother.
Raiden appeared moments later, got a brief rundown on what occurred. "Your Majesty, let's go to the island until morning."
Phintias looked at me, ignoring the men, "Would you like to go teleporting all around the world to find a bed, or would you like to go across the hall to sleep?"
As unreasonable as I was being, I actually wanted to go to Kershka. With knowing it was unreasonable, I just gestured to the room I last shared with Dirthin.
He waved his arm, and said, "Then go and rest. And may none disturb you."
I nodded, going towards the room. Two assassin bodies were carried out of my room, along with a tigrine body. My previous guard. Another few bodies carried from the Sultan's room and Pyla's room. That answered that.
I went into my rooms, hearing the door shut and entered the bedroom. Then took the blanket and a pillow, and climbed out a window. I climbed to a small battlement at the top and curled up inside it. I fell into a deep sleep until early morning.
When I woke, Phintias was perched nearby. "Good morning, Your Highness."
"Mm. Morning, Phintias. Does the sun not bother you?" I asked, pulling the blanket around myself, pretending I was going to stay there.
"Not in recent times, no. It's actually pleasant to get to watch the sun rise again." Phintias replied.
"I overslept." I noted.
"You had a pretty stressful night, post a stressful day." He replied.
"Assassins aren't new. The hormones are." I said, looking around. "This is a good spot. My home is over there." I pointed to it. The trees were inviting.
"I'm surprised you don't have a way to teleport there and be able to rest at home." Phintias said.
"I hadn't bothered with it. I've been nervous to go back." I replied.
"What has you so nervous?" Phintias asked.
"I said that Dirthin and I would spoil our cub. She said, 'Maybe I should take it then.' I haven't been back in my home sense." I sighed.
"And who's 'she'?" Phintias asked.
"His mother.. you called her 'caretaker'." I answered.
"Ah, now there is a vexing woman. Always trying to get in the way." Phintias said. "Maybe I'll have a little meeting with her. She does seem to have a lot of time on her hands now."
"Up to you. I told her I could disappear, and I did." I said firmly.
"That may be so, but I find that I am not a particular fan when people threaten pregnant women." Phintias said.
I partly smiled, "When is your baby due?"
"Could be any week now." Phintias replied. "My wife was harassed during her first pregnancy as well."
"All was well with the baby, I hope?" I asked.
"Oh, yes. She is a bouncing energy ball." Phintias replied.
"You adore her." I noticed. His voice had that sweet tone to it.
"With every fiber of my supposedly non-existent heart." Phintias agreed.
I smiled and stretched. "Thanks, Phintias."
He held a hand out to me, "Not a problem, Your Highness. Soon, I will be your adviser, too. So ask me anytime you need help."
I took his hand, and he helped me stand. "Why did you say marrying was the hard part?"
"We'll have to see, the future holds all kinds of things." Phintias said.
I nodded a little. We climbed down the side of the castle, returning inside, where he excused himself. I dressed and brushed out my fur, which I didn't normally bother doing. Then I headed out the room. An official breakfast was held with all the royals and the advisors.
Seeing how tired the Sultan looked, I placed a hand on him casually, using Lesser Restoration to help him feel more invigorated. Then he accompanied me with Phintias and Pyla to see to the merchants who had brought their ledgers. Including the seized Gold Shillings ledger.
The Silver Shilling I gave some flack to, knowing he did side business through rumors. But I told him as long as he doesn't cross my bottom line, I don't particularly care. My bottom line was simply national security, and well being of citizens. The Gold Shilling's matter was just that he was a cocky asshole. He wasn't hiding anything.
Not the same for some others. The worse offenders I simply revoked their merchant licenses. Once I finished with the Merchants, I turned to the Sultan. I took the book of laws, turned it to a particular page about hunting and showed it to him.
"I would like to decriminalize reasonable hunting, and place heavier restrictions on poaching. What is your opinion?" I asked.
"Here in the Kingdom's lands I feel that is reasonable." The Sultan said. "Just have to make sure that they don't over hunt. We can task a person from each of the villages to oversee it and deliver reports on their hunts."
"In my home our rangers do that. I could have the nobles assign rangers to their territories to ensure correct hunting patterns." I suggested.
"That should suffice." He agreed.
"To me, it's embarrassing to have starving citizens when there is an abundance of resources." I replied. "I'll get on this right away."
"Alright. It would seem you have a firm grasp on things here, I will return to the Realm for the time being." The Sultan said.
"Safe travels." I said.
"I wish you luck on finding whoever hired those assassins." The Sultan said.
"Unfortunately for them, I am a ranger. I look forward to the hunt." I grinned.
"I would almost pity the poor fools if they didn't try and kill us." The Sultan said before he and his people left.
I saw them off, as was proper, and returned to working on my new orders. I sent notice to my homeland to organize an order of Rangers to come survey the Kingdom's lands. I decided I would divide them up myself, as spies of sorts. Ensuring the Kingdom's rangers were accurate in their reports.
That evening, I organized through Sangir the very first broadcast on this continent. Within every town, city, village, and before each noble of the North, in the area the most people were, I made an announcement.
"For those who do not yet know, I am the Queen of the Kingdom, Sevexine Silver. I hereby decree that the sanctions against hunting have been lifted. However, poaching, which includes over-hunting, shall be a capital punishment upon the second infraction. To the Nobility of the North, you shall select a Ranger to keep track of hunts. If you need examples, look to Reis Tilton's territory, which is Dueling Rivers. I will be further adding my own traveling people to further ensure honesty. I expect weekly reports turned into the castle. Finally, for those who still do not know, the Kingdom will be uniting with the Realm through marriage. I will keep these broadcasts to a minimum. Good day."
And I ended the broadcast. I took out the communication tool next. "Hullo, Traxigor."
"I think this is little Vexie?" Traxigor asked.
"Indeed, I am the Queen now." I replied. "I was wondering if you had some free time?"
"I could have some free time." Traxigor said.
"Can you ask the Archdruid to come and revert the desertification of the Southern half of the Gods forsaken continent?" I asked. "I would pay eight pounds of residuum."
"Alright, I'll ask." Traxigor said. After around twenty minutes, he spoke again, "Chihul has agreed to for ten pounds of residuum."
"Done. Now, hear me out. Do you think it can be done theatrically?" I asked.
"Meaning?" Traxigor asked.
"I would like it done in a way it seemed like a blessing from the gods on the day of my marriage to the Sultan in a month. When we officially married, if possible." I explained.
A short silence occurred. "Yes, it can be done. In return, in the center of the desert Chihul would like to plant a sacred Eden Tree."
"I do not see that as a problem. My husband would appreciate it, I am sure." I replied.
"We'll come and start preparing, then." Traxigor responded.
"Ok, but can I ask you to find out who tried to kill me?" I asked.
"Someone tried to kill you?" Traxigor asked.
"Yes. And I am very pregnant." I said.
"We'll bring some people and see to it." Traxigor responded.
"Thanks, Traxigor." I said.
I ended the contact, and asked Sangir to retrieve twenty pounds of residuum. After he gave it to me, I headed to my sleeping space in the battlement. In the morning when I woke, I saw a huge eagle with a clothed otter on it's back. I blinked and smiled slowly. "Hey, guys." Then I noticed several more birds around.
"Good morning Vexie. We can see that you are indeed pregnant. Goodness." Traxigor said. "Chihul wants three pounds now."
I took out the demanded amount. The eagle, Chihul took it in a talon, and Traxigor jumped down to me. The birds left with the eagle, heading into the desert. Traxigor and I headed down, though he cast a spell to simplify the means.
Once we were inside my room, Traxigor began investigating the assassination attempt through magic means. "You know, the nearly great Archimedes lives around here."
"Oh, you know Archimedes?" I asked.
"Of course. He smited a dark wizard that was threatening this Kingdom once." Traxigor said. "Never got recognized for it, not that I think he cares."
He wondered along with his investigation. I left him to it, getting to my own work. By dinnertime, Traxigor still hadn't gotten back to me, but I remained patient. Had my dinner and went to bed. The next day, I had breakfast and continued my work. I sent notice the Empire, requesting an emissary of Pyreleos and one of Dian Cecht.
It took some time, but I got a response before nightfall that they had gottened together some emissaries of those religions. An Ilmater emissary also applied to come. Pleased with the results, I sent word that they should meet in a particular place, then I'd have them brought over the next day.
Which I then alerted Raiden to my need of them being brought. He agreed to do so. I went to bed early, waking at my usual time and bathing. By the time I finished and was drying off, a maid informed me that Dirthin had returned and was waiting for me. As per duty, I didn't rush to him.
When I saw him, he looked annoyed and exhausted. I became frustrated with him, but just when he'd noticed me, his face both softened and became happier. I sighed a little. Dismissing people, and bringing him into a sitting room, I got him to sit down before curling up in his lap.
He was quite content to just hold me, after a while, he said, "Everyone seems to be on high alert. Did I miss something?"
"Just the usual.." I said, turning at the sound of the door opening and shutting quickly. I watched an undressed Traxigor, run forward like a normal otter, and jump up next to us.
"And who is this fuzzy little companion?" Dirthin asked.
"Why, hello there. I suppose you're the father?" Traxigor asked. Without waiting for the answer, he looked at me, "Anyways, Vexie girl, I have found the culprit."
"Is this a .. druid? And yes I am.. and culprit to what? I have so many questions right now." Dirthin said.
"Traxigor, where are your clothes?" I asked.
"Oh, I ditched them. It was easier to sneak around this way. Vexie was attacked by assassins. And, no, I am a wizard, clearly. Druids can not speak in animal shape." Traxigor explained. "Though Chihul can sometimes."
"And who was the damned fool to do that?" Dirthin wanted to know.
"The assassins that attacked me, the Sultan and his wife are all dead." I said. "But yes, what was your findings?"
Traxigor snapped his fingers, clothing himself. "A noble in Ymir's Town."
"Ah. So my guard was a casualty on an attempt on the Sultan's life." I said.
"Did you happen to find out a name for this walking corpse?" Dirthin asked.
"Of course. I am throrough." Traxigor replied. "You do understand attacking them can cause problems for Vexie, though, right?"
"In what way?" He asked.
"No one accepts a queen who murders the nobles of another nation. Particularly not ones where you've had peace talks resulting in marriage. That's killing her own people. Or if its said you did it on your own, she'd have to punish you." Traxigor explained.
"You have evidence against them, yes? Proof that led you to them?" Dirthin asked.
"Well, yes. But it is still better to communicate with her fiancé first." Traxigor replied.
"Yes. Her fiancé.. should probably talk to him." Dirthin said.
I pet him, trying to soothe him. And took out the communication tool. I reached out to Phintias. "It's Vexie. I have discovered who sent the assassins. Dirthin would like to handle them, however, it is a noble from the South."
"Oh, of course it is. What's the name?" He asked.
"Who?" I asked. "Name."
"Amar'l Beketa." Traxigor answered.
"Amar'l Beketa, apparently." I told Phintias.
"Is it bad that's the first name I thought of when you said a noble from the South?" Phintias asked.
"Little bit, yeah.. You'll let the Sultan know?" I asked.
"I am right next to him, so yes." Phintias replied. "What evidence do we have to go after this lovely individual?"
"I can send it over." I said.
"As soon as we have it, we'll review it and decide what to do from there." Phintias replied.
Ending the contact, I said, "They would like to review the proof. Will you bring it to them?"
"I hope their ideal punishment is to throw them in the arena with me. I am your champion." Dirthin said.
Traxigor tilted his head, "I will bring it." He snapped his fingers, disappearing.
"You look so tired." I said, still petting him.
"I tried to knock out as many jobs as possible as quickly as possible so I could have some time." He said.
"You shouldn't wear yourself out." I said.
"Oh, a good nap will see me right as rain." He replied.
"There is still four months before our cub is born. There is time." I told him.
"I know, but pematures happen." He said.
"True, but for the next two and half months, any premature cub won't survive." I replied.
"That's.. true." He said.
I stroked his face. "You can nap if you want."
"Oh, I'll nap in a little while. I just got here. How did the whole.. gathering go?" He asked.
"It went well. I scared all the corrupt merchants, and told a lie about the Lucky Stone. I claimed that I saw the ledger for it, so no one else could complain." I said. "Then I spent two days meeting with merchants."
"That sounds incredibly tedious." Dirthin said.
"It was. Revoked a few licenses. Brought in three new religions, negotiated for the desert to be rejuvenated, and I got rid of the law against hunting, though enstated a poaching law with capital punishment. Rangers will have to report on hunts weekly." I told him.
"My, my. You have been more busy than I have." Dirthin said.
I chuckled. "Been doing paperwork dawn to dusk as well." I stretched, "I still have more to do."
"I bet you can't wait to hand all this off." Dirthin said.
"Mm. Won't change much. I'll still be swamped with work. I've been doing the Isla's work, too." I said. "Plus you wanted the Emporer killed."
"It wasn't supposed to give you more work to do." Dirthin said.
I smiled and kissed him, "It's ok. I'll organize a secretary soon."
"By the sound of it, you might need a few." He said.
"If I survive having the cub, I'll have to organize several, yes." I nodded.
"Of course you'll survive." Dirthin said. "I don't think Asmodeus would take you even if you didn't, yet. You haven't done enough for him yet."
"Mm. You haven't asked specifics, but I will tell you, the Sultan will not claim our cub." I told him.
"Was that even an option?" He asked.
"Any child of a Queen is automatically her husband's child. It's been like this in majority of places. The only exception being when the spouse makes the queen kill the child, or punishes the adultery with her death. The Emporer killed his wife and her baby after the divination determined the baby wasn't his." I shrugged.
"It would have been good to know about that, but it is good to know that is not how that turned out." Dirthin said.
"He is not barring me from keeping lovers, but he has said that I will not be permitted to have cubs with any lovers after our cub." I told him.
"That's a very bizarre arrangement. But I suppose it makes sense to a degree." Dirthin said, agitation in his voice.
"It will be a little less important if he can have a baby with his current wife. I would also be required to bear him a potential heir." I said, sighing.
"Of course you would be." He replied. "Royals have such odd, yet apparently necessary customes."
"Everything has gotten complicated, hasn't it?" I asked.
"We knew it would." He said. He squeezed my body, "Have you eaten yet?"
"Mm, no. I haven't yet, you?" I asked.
Of course he hadn't. We got up and went to have breakfast, which was prepared by the kitchen staff. I made sure it was safe before we ate. It was decent. After breakfast, we went to my office and began working on my papers while Dirthin relaxed. Sangir was still being cold towards me over the assassination incident.
Around an hour later, I was contacted by the Sultan. "Hello, Vexie. I'm contacting you about the decision that has been reached about the assassination attempt."
"Of course. I wouldn't expect to be contacted just for a hello." I joked. "What is it?"
"Ah, my apologies I ought to not just contact you for.. anyways. We have decided to give them two options, which is the custom. We will be seizing all of their assets, and they will be allowed to either walk the desert, or go to the Arena." The Sultan said.
I smiled, very amused. "I was joking. You may need to rework the punishment system, though."
"Why would we need to reform our punishment plan?" He asked.
"You do not recall our discussion? About the healing the desert?" I asked.
"I do. I was unaware you would have had something going already." He replied.
"Yeah, I asked Traxigor to ask the Archdruid I mentioned to do the task. It turned out to be relatively cheap, just ten pounds of residuum, and he asked to plant a sacred Eden tree in the center." I explained.
"What, pray tell, is an Eden tree?" The Sultan asked.
"I'm not exceptionally positive. Archdruids are extremely protective of them.. The only thing I know well of it is that life circles it.. flows from it.. Perhaps Phintias may know more." I suggested.
"The Eden tree is indeed life. The waters that will pool at its trunk will have healing properties, as well as the potential to extend life, which is why Archdruids guard it." Traxigor explained.
"Well, I hope they don't disclose it's location to anyone. It sounds like a recipe for trouble." The Sultan said.
"It does mean you will have a new Druid community." Traxigor said, "Only Vexie currently knows it's location. It may feel uncomfortable for you, though, old friend."
"I have lived near druid enclaves before." Phintias responded.
"Undead suffer near the Eden tree." Traxigor said. "You know planting it is like birthing a god."
"A very low tier one, it'll be fine." Phintias said.
"So Chihul decided to live here?" I asked. I was unaware.
"For a time, dear girl. You know how fickle he can be." Traxigor replied.
"Chihul brought a group of druids into the desert two days ago. No doubt they are working hard." I said.