Chapter 34 #3
“I want to visit beautiful places and surround myself with interesting people. My wife and I had a wonderful time in your city today. Your architecture, your music, your delicacies–we loved every detail. All of the people making those amazing things would hate me if I invaded. Great artisans would have to set aside their passions to instead make tools of war. The fields that grow your grapes would be stomped by marching armies, and your reserves of wine would dry up. I wish to enjoy all those things, not destroy them.”
Queen Ophonia spoke for the first time, her voice soft but full of poise. “Idealists are often found to be deceivers, which is why most would be skeptical of a person who claims wealth is not important to them.”
“Apologies, Your Grace, I did not mean to suggest wealth is not important to me. It certainly is.”
“Yet you would have us believe you would choose not to profit from this utopia of open trade you describe?”
I shook my head. “I would not have you believe that, and other business parties have raised similar concerns. One of the many lessons I learned from working with Queen Ashley was that my understanding of wealth was incomplete. Where her father believed that educating the masses was a wasteful expense, she has proven that an investment there produces far greater returns for her and her people. Smarter people run better businesses and make better choices. They enjoy a better quality of life and commit fewer crimes. The net return more than justifies the upfront cost, but as I said, her father couldn’t see past the first step.
“Yes, I could build these gates and fill my pockets with fees and tolls, but that is the least profitable path available to me. I make more money by making it easier for people to visit my city and do business there. More allies bring more opportunity, and I don’t have to waste capital on funding conflicts.
I want to enjoy life, so I’d much rather pay to see a show in your city than pay a soldier to hurt people.
As luck would have it, that’s also the far more profitable way to behave. ”
The Queen turned to her husband. “He is good with words.”
The King nodded. “He is indeed. And what of the demons, Lord Byron? They are known for their cruelty toward humans. Connecting our kingdom to the hells is a worrisome proposition.”
“I negotiated terms with merchants from the hells on behalf of Sanctuary South, not the world,” I replied.
“Passage through my gates is free but not uncontrolled. If we do not grant a being permission to use the gate, then they can’t.
The same thing that keeps armies from using the nexus keeps demons from leaving Sanctuary South.
If you decide to open your city to them, that is your choice.
Otherwise, no demon will be able to use my gates to venture to your lands. ”
“But your military could.”
“This is true,” I admitted. “Fortify your side of the gate so it’s suicide for a force to attempt it. You’ll never need those fortifications, but I can understand your need to be certain of your safety.”
The Queen glanced at Podni and back to me. “Is your wife permitted to speak? She has been silent since introductions.”
I chuckled. “She doesn’t need my permission.”
“No interest in politics then?”
I shook my head. “Actually, Podni brokered all the real estate transactions for Sanctuary South. She manages more of my business than I do.”
“I often find it more valuable to listen,” Podni said. “One of the reasons I’m with Byron is that he listens when I speak and trusts me to make choices without him.”
“What is it you have heard today?” the Queen asked.
“Voices who care a great deal about doing what’s best for their people and are, therefore, hesitant to trust. Byron already shared how much we enjoy your city, so what if I gave you the same sort of gift in return?”
“I do not believe I understand your meaning.”
“Come to Sanctuary South with me tomorrow, and I’ll give you the tour. We can eat good food and visit interesting shops. The parks are lovely too, and there’s lots of art to enjoy.”
“Tomorrow?”
Podni nodded. “Yes. We can be back by lunch if you like.”
“Such a thing is possible?”
“It’s exactly as Byron described. Quick and simple.”
The Queen turned to her husband. “Your thoughts?”
“Queen Ashley and Queen Invia have personally guaranteed our safety in all matters relating to Lord Byron of Zaglis,” the King replied. “Seeing the city for yourself would help me to decide our response to Lord Byron’s offer.”
“This travel is safe?” the Queen asked me.
“It is,” I answered. “If it pleases my wonderful hosts, I would prefer to remain in your city for at least another day while the Queen visits our city with Podni.”
“We accept your invitation,” King Jillias said on behalf of Queen Ophonia. “For purposes of safety, we can consider the Queen a peace envoy from our kingdom to yours.”
“Wonderful,” I said.
Escorting the Queen around Sanctuary wasn’t something Podni and I had discussed, but the move was masterful, and I was glad she had the confidence to make it without asking me first. Giving the Queen a taste of exotic luxury was a brilliant way to sell her on the alliance, and it could prove to be the key to this relationship.
I gently tugged the waistband on her panties with Silkmancer, so she knew how turned on I was by her mind.
She smiled and leaned in to speak softly. “I know.”