Chapter 17
T hey finally reached the city, and it was just as dazzling up close as it had been from afar.
The houses had stone bases, similar to that of the castle, but wooden pillars rose above them, stretching at least three stories high, and, as she suspected the other day, the roofs gleamed with a golden sheen.
How much of it was real gold, she couldn’t tell, but that explained why the city shone so brightly in the sun.
Aza couldn’t even lie; the city was beautiful, and the many plants and flowers that decorated the buildings made it even more so.
“What do you think up close, Princess?” King Abasi asks.
“I… think it’s beautiful.” The last thing Aza wants to do is compliment this man, but she can’t hide the awe in her expression, so she decides to answer truthfully.
“This one is also one of my most prestigious cities, second only to Fahir. The City of Alos provides great products for the Empire, and is known for producing exceptional servicemen.”
Aza nodded as they continue down the streets.
Aza sees many unique trinkets throughout the city.
Exquisitely crafted pottery painted in shimmering colors, flowers in planters that Aza has never seen before, quilts of delicately threaded patterns, and so much more.
What stood out most to Aza, however, were the women in fancy gowns, made of sleek fabric.
She would swear many of these women wore the rare silks found only in the Yaras Kingdom.
Something even she had very little of. The very few dresses she had made from the silk came from the Prince of Yaras himself as a gift due to their ongoing correspondence.
It has a distinct way of sparkling in the light that other silks and fabrics do not.
Aza is very curious about how Abasi’s people have gotten all of these fine goods that, as far as she knows, are not native materials to these lands.
They very well could have gotten it from trading, but Aza has heard many times that the Amunis Empire does not engage in much trade, if any at all.
She made a mental note, then attempted some innocent prying.
“King Abasi, you said that your cities provide you with a lot of products. Where do you get the materials to make such products? Do you have mines or fields for growing, or do you trade much with other kingdoms? I’m just curious where all these divine things come from, and maybe how I could get my hands on some.
” She covered her mouth, feigning a blush.
“My empire trades with hardly anyone. I think that a strong empire should be able to care for itself, by itself. Too many trade deals and alliances fall through, and whole kingdoms scramble to make up for lost goods. So yes, we do have various methods for refining materials and making fine goods. Please, feel free to let me know if you see anything in the market that you like, and it will be yours.”
“That is a unique philosophy to live by, Sire. And thank you very much for the offer, I will continue to keep my eye out.” She forced a bright smile.
“I hear that your kingdom, however, relies heavily on trade. Considering it is mainly crops and livestock you require, that must be incredibly hard to keep up with, as there are only two other kingdoms on this continent, mine being one of them, and with the state of the oceans becoming more treacherous recently.” His voice has a slightly menacing tone.
“You know, I could offer your kingdom extensive food reserves if a marriage alliance were to be made.”
Aza didn’t like how much he seemed to know about her kingdom.
She has no idea how he knows all of this.
Her kingdom was not an open book. Sure, they were kind and social, but they still kept their secrets for protection.
Aza didn’t like this savior complex he currently had, as if he already had her within his grasp and she wouldn’t be able to deny him or a marriage alliance with him.
“I will keep that in mind. In the meantime, would it be alright if I spoke to some of your citizens? It would be a great way to learn more about your empire from a different perspective.” Aza asks innocently.
“Yes, that would be alright, honestly, I do have an errand to run quickly while we are in this city, if you don’t mind me stepping away while you explore some more.
If you wouldn’t mind, could I borrow one of your guards?
I could use an extra hand, and no need for me to go back to the castle to get another.
It would also be a great opportunity for me to learn a little more about you and your kingdom from a different perspective.
There are plenty of soldiers stationed in the city, so you will be protected. ”
Aza didn’t like that he mimicked her, or how odd the request was, thinking maybe he is trying to get Jahar away from her. But she happily offers Ramsee to go along with him instead, and waved them off, eager to begin asking questions.
Aza approaches various women, starting with complimenting and offering an introduction.
She carefully and skillfully asks if they heard any disturbance last night; most said no.
Most were in bed or caring for their children.
There was, however, an elderly lady who said her house was one of the closest to the forest, and she swore she had heard an animal cry in pain.
This had Aza wondering. Was it really an animal, or did the older woman mistake a man’s cry for an animal’s? It was possible, but not much to go on.
She found the woman they spoke of. She had short grey curls, a wrinkled face, bright blue eyes, and a kind smile. Aza found out her name was Juliennea, but said she could call her Julie. She told Aza many stories and talked about how the Empire is not the same as it was when she was growing up.
“With as long as I’ve been around, I guess there are bound to be changes, even big ones. The King does spoil us in these cities, likes to make us look pretty, but the rules and laws have gotten stricter.”
“What about the other cities?”
“I can’t say much on those. I haven’t really been anywhere else, and I don’t want to speak ill of the Empire.” Julie’s eyes darted as she said this, as if she’s looking to see if anyone is listening to their conversation.
“That’s alright. I don’t mean to pry. I am just very involved in the well-being of my citizens, and” Aza has to almost swallow down the deception as she continues, “and if I am to be queen here, I would like that to continue.”
“We would be very blessed to have you as our queen, but I don’t know how much good you’d be allowed to do. The queens of this land tended to be more of a pretty sight for the eyes rather than a leader, if you know what I mean.”
“I’m pretty sure I understand that.” Aza chuckles awkwardly.
“Either way, I’m sure you would make a great queen. My son would have loved you. He had such a kind heart.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what happened to your son? It sounds like you’re speaking of him in the past.”
“Yes, my dear. My son was my whole world for the first fifteen years of his life, and there has been a hole in me ever since. I struggled to have children my entire life. It was very hard on my husband and me. We had given up trying and hoping. I was getting up there in my childbearing years, but then my miracle came. When he was born, he suffered from a birth defect, but that didn’t stop me from loving him with every bit of my heart.
Where he lacked in some areas, he made up for in his kindness and huge heart.
But one day, we got a notice that he was to start military training.
I tried to keep him with me as long as possible, but the law is the law.
I… I never saw him again after that. I just hope that his passing was peaceful.
” Aza can see tears welling in Julie’s eyes.
“You don’t know what happened to him?” Aza asked, tears welling in her eyes as well.
“No, dearest. All I know is he never came home. He loved being at home. It’s been fifteen years now. He would have come home at least once if he were alive. It took me a while, especially with the not knowing, but I eventually came to terms with it, even though it still hurts.”
“I am so sorry. I wish I had answers for you.”
Julie placed her hands over Aza’s, “It’s alright. I would rather in my heart think he passed peacefully and is at rest now, than to know a potentially awful truth.”
Aza could understand that.
“Thank you for entertaining an old crone. I’m sure you have much to do while you’re here. But please, take this with you as a token of my gratitude and for protection. This stone is said to hold protective properties.”
Aza looked at the black gem that sat in the middle of a gold chain bracelet, surrounded by diamonds on each side. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry.
“How much?”
The woman waved her hands, “No, no. A gift for you.”
“I couldn’t possibly just accept something so beautiful.”
“Yes, my dear, you can. You deserve all that is beautiful in this world.” She says as she clips the chain around Aza’s wrist.
“Thank you,” Aza whispers, a tear sliding down her cheek.
They give each other a silent farewell.
Aza makes her last circle around the market, not feeling up to talking to anyone else at the moment, when King Abasi comes back into sight.
“Princess, are you satisfied? Is there anything you would like?”
“Um… yes. I… ah… would love to take home some of these beautiful flowers, if that is alright.”
“Yes, of course. If you would,” Abasi says, motioning for his guards to collect them, but none of them offered the vendor any coin.
“Please, let me offer payment for them.”
“Nonsense. You are my guest, and I am the King. Payment is not needed,” He said sternly.
A knot formed in Aza’s stomach. He acted like his people owe him anything and everything. But she shoves it down, trying her best to continue to stay in character.