***

  “Are we on some side-street?” Rowena muttered as the carriage shuddered despite its formidable suspension.

  “Nope, this is the main road into the city. Be on your guard,” said Jess.

  Rowena blinked. Her friend—girlfriend’s tone had dipped and she was looking out of the window, eyes narrowed. “For what?”

  Jess did a quick look over her bracelet. “We have to pass through the city to reach the palace. That means that we’re filing through the main road. You might get some onlookers, or more unsavory types.”

  The princess took a deep breath. “Assassins?”

  “Or crazy fans,” said Jess, with a slight smirk.

  “Why would I have fans in Lapanteria?” Rowena asked.

  Jess’s smirk widened. “You’re a bit of a celebrity, Wena. The Lost Princess Now Found.”

  “Gods I hate that title so much,” Rowena muttered. She looked out of the window, hand on Tristelle. “What I’m wondering is why would people in Lapanteria be fans of me?”

  Jess shuffled over to Rowena, nudging her friend. “Pretty, talented, foreign princess without an official partner? Tested in battle and in crises with a tragic backstory with a fairytale ending? I’d say they’d at least want to get a good look at you.”

  Rowena arched an eyebrow, grinning at Jess. “So you’re saying if we make it official, I’ll have less people staring at me?”

  “Perhaps,” said Jess, lips pursed, eyes half-lidded.

  Their eyes met for a moment an unspoken question lingering in the air.

  That question was decisively answered when Rowena and Jess realized the fields had fully given way to houses.

  “We’re entering the city,” said Jess.

  There was a knock on the carriage door and Colonel Sun road up. Rowena opened the door. “Colonel? Anything we should be prepared for?”

  The colonel nodded. “The Lapanterians have cleared the road ahead, but there is quite a crowd held back by their soldiers. I’d say we’d just roll through, but we’ll be travelling in a single column. So have your sword nearby.”

  “Understood. Thank you,” said Rowena.

  She closed the door and checked Tristelle was ready to draw. It was incredibly warm so Jess had dressed comfortably rather than elaborately, choosing fine white trousers and blouses. Jess’s blouse was a dark maroon to match her hair while’s Rowena’s was a more feminine pale pink. This allowed them both to wear their weapons and other critical equipment.

  By the time they were sure they were ready, the carriage and its large escort were in the city of Salapantir.

  From out of the windows, Rowena saw them travelling through a relatively flat city baked by the sun. Unlike Athelda-Aoun’s half-shaded dusky light, Erisdale’s bright seaside morn, Salapantir was lit by a high, noonday sun. This golden light beat down on high-peaked buildings with baked tile roofs more common to northern climates. This made sense as Rowena had read that winters on this landlocked city were very harsh.

  The city was also incredibly large. Rowena had thought Atheld-Aoun was cavernous, but Salapantir was a true metropolis. Erisdale City could easily fit into limits of the city which spread out, reaching for the horizon with row upon row of roofs. As they travelled down the main thoroughfare, they could see that population reflected in the tightly packed onlookers standing just before the line of soldiers in Lapanterian purple uniforms. These troops were emblazoned with the symbol of the kingdom’s royalty, three golden ferrets.

  As Rowena watched the people pass however, waving on occasion and smiling at the onlookers, she started to notice details that made it more difficult to hold her smile.

  Numerous smokestacks rose over Salapantir, and the air that she’d breathed was noticeably thicker the deeper they moved into the city. Similar to Erisdale, it was clear the fires of industry had taken ahold of Lapanteria.

  Yet, her father and mother had acted quickly when more advanced industries using furnaces and the new steam boilers had started to develop. Many of the newest industries in Erisdale had been nationalized, taken under direct control of the crown in return of the original owners receiving a chunk of the profits. This enabled the crown to determine where to develop these new factories and place them in areas that would least affect the general populace, while being accessible.

  This clearly had not been the approach of the Lapanterians, and the city reflected far less controlled planning. Buildings rose and fell across the sidelines, sometimes growing from each other like tumors and blisters. Streets they passed could be wide enough for carriages, but were more often than note, so narrow that they looked more like alleyways from how the buildings seemed to reach over to cover them.

  The river was perhaps the greatest travesty. From what Rowena recalled, the Golden River—named for how it used to have rich gold sands—was supposed to be incredibly wide and low river that snaked through the land. While the bridge that their carriage went over was made for length, with several stone piers that kept the roadway above the water, they were not high enough to escape the smell.

  Rowena wondered if someone or several someones had died in the river. She was in her carriage and the smell from the grey-brown morass that snaked down through the city made her stomach churn. This slurpy, slimy sludge coursing down through the city, continuing to gurgle as it collected all the detritus and sewage dumped into it.

  Frankly, the river’s health reflected the city’s mood and Rowena could see that in the people. They looked on at the convoy with curiosity, but with deep exhaustion in their eyes. Some stayed to watch, others were just passing. Their clothes were stained with soot from the smog that blanketed the city and from working in the new factories. She couldn’t help but contrast these people with the people of Erisdale city. There were less of them in her capital, but they looked happy and everybody had a spring in their step as even those of middling income paraded their best day clothes.

  “Is it just me, or do they look kind of tired?” Rowena asked, out of the corner of her mouth.

  “No, it isn’t just you. I heard Lapanteria’s taken a fairly hands off approach to industrializing, but this… this is horribly disorganized,” said Jess.

  “It certainly explains why Sunflower Court is apart from the city,” said Rowena.

  “Oh, Sunflower Court was always set apart from Salapantir. Lapanteria had a castle in Salapantir. It’s somewhere by the river, but they moved to the Sunflower Court decades ago. Not enough space apparently,” said Jess.

  Rowena’s right eye widened as the buildings of Salapantir ceased and she started to see what was beyond the city. She had plenty of time to observe the Lapanterian palace and the seat of its royals as her convoy snaked its way towards the complex.

  Because Sunflower Court was very much a complex. The main building was a three story windowed mansion painted sunflower yellow, gleaming in the sun. It rose above the horizon on a plateau, surrounded by a yellow-brick privacy with trees from numerous gardens peaking above it. Rowena realized suddenly that the plateau was artificial and held up by bulwarks of marble surrounded by smaller mansions.

  The entire palace was encased by a not-so decorative wall broken up by looming guard towers with musket holes.

  Rowena watched, smile gone as they approached the main gate. The elegant iron grate curled with decorative ferrets was open, allowing them in. They did not however, head directly to the main palace, but towards one of the mansions on the grounds.

  When they stopped in front of it, Rowena made to get out of the carriage, but Jess caught her wrist.

  “Wena, remember Colonel Sun has to check it first, right?”

  “Oh, yes. Thanks Jess,” said Rowena.

  Colonel Sun was soon knocking on the carriage window, a smile on their face. “It’s clear, but you do have a visitor who got here before you. A Gwendiliana of Alavari.”

  “Gwen’s here? Fantastic. I’ll see her immediately. Georgia can you—”

  “Of course, Your Highness. Just a heads up, she has a companion, wouldn’t tell us who he was,” said the goblin, hopping down the carriage.

  “Oh? I suppose we will be introduced,” said Rowena.

  Well-appointed was what Rowena would describe the guest house, which had a second floor balcony that encircle the the entire building to form a kind of verandah. Numerous windows that could be covered by curtains enabled light to be let in. The actual insides were decorated with nondescript paintings of various flowers and birds.

  Erisdalian guards were still searching throughout the mansion as Rowena made her way up the mahogany-bannistered staircase to a sitting room where Gwendiliana sat.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  When the Alavari rose from the couch, Rowena could see she was not alone. A human teen with dark hair stood across from her, pacing. He stopped when Rowena entered with Jess. His dark brown eyes hardening as his hand gripped the pommel of his arming sword. His expression almost sneering, but that may have been due to the scar that ran down his right cheek, possibly due to a barely missed sword strike.

  Rowena decided to temporarily ignore the animosity from the young man and focus her attention on her friend. “Gwen! It’s good to see you,” she said, reaching out.

  Her friend giggled, embracing her tightly. “It’s good to see you too, Rowena. How was your journey?”

  “Smooth, though we are none the wiser about the marriage that Alastor is going through.”

  “Nothing from our end either,” said Gwen, flashing a meaningful look at her.

  “I see.” Rowena’s eye returned to Gwen’s guest, only offering the glowering man a small smile. “And who is this?”

  Gwen took a breath. “Somewhat of an unpleasant surprise I’m afraid. This is Root-King Eldecar of Roranoak. He wishes to discuss a matter of rather serious importance.”

  Rowena arched an eyebrow glancing at Gwen before back to Eldecar. “Root-King, so not High King of Roranoak acclaimed by all the arch-counts of Roranoak but the one who has the capital of Rowan Hall and sits on the Oak Throne?”

  “You are correct, Princess Rowena,” said Eldecar, his voice low, whether naturally or due to the growl in his voice, Rowena couldn’t tell. However, the fact that he was the Root King explained a little about the young man’s lack of regalia. In Erisdalian terms, he’d be a duke, or a prince, not a true king.

  “I have a simple request that I wish you to hear out,” said Eldecar.

  “Why do I feel that it isn’t going to be simple at all?” Jess muttered.

  Rowena was thinking what her girlfriend was saying but she kept her face impassive as she touched Tristelle and cast a privacy spell, whilst sitting down on the opposing couch. Lycia and Georgia shut the door so they would have some privacy.

  She crossed her fingers, glad that she had her crown on as aside from that and Tristelle, she was rather underdressed. “I will hear you out, as I’m sure there is a good reason why my dear friend is introducing you to me.”

  Eldecar nodded. “I request Erisdale convince Lapanteria to cease their military operations in my kingdom through whatever means necessary.”

  Rowena blinked, her eyes widening before she narrowed. It was only the fact that she knew Gwen had set this meeting up between her and Eldecar that kept her jaw locked.

  “Eldecare, pardon my ignorance, but I understand that Lapanteria is currently fighting brigands and rogue nobles in the Cedarfen region. The kingdom of Roranoak does have a claim to that region, but insofar as I understand, your kingdom doesn’t exist.”

  “Because Erisdale abandoned us after the 4th Great War—”

  Jess leaped to her feet, her mouth opening, but Rowena grabbed her friend’s wrist. Jess turne dto Rowena, eyes wide, but she shook her head. Grimacing, Jess sat back down scowling.

  Rowena glanced back at Eldecar not even bothering to look at him properly. “Curb your tone or this meeting is over, Your Highness.”

  “I am merely stating a fact,” said Eldecar.

  Rowena closed her eyes briefly as she remembered her recent-history lessons from her father. “You neglect the fact that at Delbarria, Princess Clawdia, serving as proxy of her father, King Custin, signed a separate treaty with King Thorgoth of Alavaria, abandoning both Lapanteria and Erisdale in the 4th Great War. We are not responsible for the fact that after the war, your kingdom collapsed into civil war as a result of the unpopularity of that treaty.”

  Before Eldecar could raise his voice, Rowena raised her hand. “I say this not to hold Roranoak’s actions against you. I just wish to point out that while Erisdale has perhaps not paid due attention to Roranoak’s plight after the war, it is wildely viewed by our nobility and citizenry that Roranoak abandoned us in the most destructive conflict of our era. Thus, I am wondering why you are making this request of me, especially when you are the Root King and not High King of Roranoak. I’m honestly not sure what I can do except carry your concern to my father and mother.”

  Eldecar gritted his teeth, his hands clasping together tightly as he bowed his head. “Let’s cut to the chase. The Cedarfen region is gone. Lapanteria has as good as annexed it by taking advantage of the fighting in the area. You know what that means.”

  “I’m not familiar with Roranoak’s regional geography,” said Rowena, glancing at Jess.

  Her friend’s eyes were narrowed. “Cedarfen is a deep hilly cedar forest by the southern coast, and one of the few natural barries Roranoak has to invasion from Lapanteria. If that’s been completely annexed then Roranoak’s heart is exposed. That being said, the river heartland has numerous castles—”

  “The Great War and then the civil war has completely depopulated the heartland. Most of those castles have fallen into ruin,” said Eldecar.

  Jess shook her head. “Pre-war estimates thousand of people lived there!”

  Eldecar sighed. “If they weren’t killed, they all went to Lapanteria, Erisdale or even Alavaria. The population is recovering, but Lapanteria threatens to undo that and they can, and probably will, unless Erisdale stops them.”

  Rowena took a breath. “Basically, if you can get me to show some disapproval, it may buy you some time,” she said.

  “Exactly. Of course, I don’t expect this to come without a cost. We are open to trade concessions and given the rise in demand for coal, that could be beneficial to Erisdale,” said Eldecar.

  Rowena drummed her fingers on Tristelle. It was a tempting offer, but Erisdale didn’t need coal so acutely that they’d show support to Roranoak.

  No, what she needed was something else.

  “I will express my disapproval for any further border changes to Roranoak. I can’t demand Lapanteria return Cedarfen or other occupied territories to you. You’d have to discuss that with my father and mother, but I will inform Alastor that I will propose the White Order and the Lightning Battalion to get involved if there are further territorial acquisitions. Would that be satisfactory?”

  Eldecar narrowed his eyes and after a moment’s thought, nodded. “That would do.”

  “In return, I don’t need coal. I need information and your tacit support on the matter I came here to address,” said Rowena.

  Eldecar bit his lip. “Go on.”

  “I need to know everything about how Alastor knew about his bride-to-be and her record in Roranoak. I also need you to if not publicly oppose, indicate no support or disapproval of Lapanteria changing the Treaty of Athelda-Aoun,” Rowena said.

  She’d studied Eldecar’s expression as she made her demand but instead of closing off, or even outrage, the Root-King blinked.

  “The information I can provide easily, but… I’m not sure what you are talking about regarding the Treaty of Athelda-Aoun. Roranoak would certainly be against redrawing the treaty, but we had no knowledge of Alastor saying he wishes to change it. What parts is he asking for to be revised?”

  Rowena pursed her lips. So he didn’t know? That was intriguing.

  “The territorial ones. Lapanteria has been making demands to redraw the borders in their favor,” said Rowena.

  Eldecar leaned back on the sofa, stroking his chin. “That would mean expansion on two fronts. Could Lapanteria actually manage such a feat?”

  “If Roranoak is in such a position, do you think your kingdom could resist of Lapanteria invaded the heartland?” Rowena asked matter-of-factly.

  The Root-King let out a shuddering sigh. “Honestly, no. Lapanteria’s army is… is massive. We estimate that under Alastor the kingdom has swollen the military to three field armies about twenty thousand strong, and an unknown number of active garrisons spread across the kingdom. Even one of those could put Erisdale on the back foot.”

  Jess gritted her teeth, but Rowena merely pursed her lips.

  “Then how has Roranoak managed to resist for this long?”

  “He’s not declared war on the kingdom itself but on so-called rogue lords and bandit-controlled areas, which are only bandit-controlled because of Lady Veina. She corrals and drives bandits and other highwaymen into different regions, leading to them being taken over. Lapanteria then uses that as the excuse to come in and take over. We have heard that she even releases Lapanterian bandits and criminals into Roranoak, before crushing them,” said Eldecar.

  “So she’s a warrior-mage fighting on the front lines?” Jess asked.

  “That and a political operative. She’s been spotted attending balls with, and meeting various Lapanterian nobles, and Alastor. Where Alastor needs something to be done and he can’t be there, he sends her,” said Eldecar.

  “Thank you for the tip,” said Rowena. She rose to her feet, extending her hand. “It is nice to meet you, Your Highness. If you don’t mind, it’s been a long trip for us. I would like however to talk to you more about these matters.”

  Eldecar took her hand and shook it firmly enough that she could feel the caluses on his hands. He probably could also feel the caluses on hers.

  “Thank you, Your Highness. It is a great relief that Erisdale is willing to support us in this matter,” said the Root-King.

  Rowena nodded.

  Jess coughed, “One more thing, King Eldecar, do you know where Veina came from?”

  The king glanced at Jess. He looked at her for a moment, but shook his head. “Sorry, we don’t know, apart from her not being Lapanterian. She has blonde hair and grey eyes and is of medium build. That being said, she could be from Roranoak, or even from Erisdale.”

  “At least we’ll find out soon,” said Rowena, with a wry smile.

  Eldecar nodded, thanked Gwen and left the mansion.

  It was only after the royal had finally left did Rowena allow herself to sit down and sprawl on the couch. Her blue eye fixing on the wanly smiling Gwen.

  “Right, Gwen, what exactly does Alavaria want? I know you want to help people, Gwen, so I know why you asked me to intercede but you must have had contact with Eldecar before,” said Rowena.

  Gwena giggled. “Very good, Rowena.” Sitting down by her friend, she arched an eyebrow as Jess plopped herself on Rowena’s other side and wrapped her arms around her. “Alavaria is…is…”

  “What? Go on,” said Jess, giving Gwen a flat stare.

  “I’m sorry, you two seem…” the Alavari’s eyes widened. “Oh Galena, you finally know!”

  “Know what?” Rowena and Jess asked at the same time.

  “Know you two are head over heels with each other!” Gwen exclaimed.

  Rowena felt her cheeks warm and she couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, well yeah. I uh, I confessed and Jess told me.”

  Jess nodded, grinning until something seemed to hit her over the head and she gasped, “Wait you knew?”

  Gwen nodded, briefly looking completely exhausted. “You have no idea how it was like watching you two tip-toe around each other!”

  “Why didn’t you tell us?” Rowena asked.

  “Would you have wanted me to?” Gwen asked.

  Jess and Rowena glanced at one another, smiled and shook their heads. “Nah,” said Jess.

  “No,” said Rowena. She giggled behind her hand. “But back to Alavaria, what are they interested in, Gwen? At least, what can you tell me?”

  “Queen Titania wants peace and Lapanteria’s threatening it. They can’t send a member of their royal family so they sent me. I’m here to defuse or at least restrain Lapanteria’s expansionist objectives as much as I can, without getting Alavaria directly involved.”

  Jess frowned. “Can Alavaria not afford a war?”

  “From a purely financial and military perspective, yes, but our populace are not interested. Our nobility isn’t interested. Queen Titania isn’t interested and is mostly spending time with her husband and consort, who will not be long for this world,” said Gwen.

  Rowena nodded, and was about to thank Gwen, when Jess suddenly stiffened.

  “Hold on, does Queen Titania and Alavaria know you are here?” Jess asked.

  Rowena opened her mouth to chastise Jess, but something about Gwen’s expression stopped her. Her friend had met Jess’s stare without flinching, hands placed in front of her, prim and proper.

  “They probably know now. If you are asking if I was officially dispatched by the queen, no, I was not.”

  Rowena blinked. “Wait, but then… why are you doing this Gwen?”

  The Alavari took a breath, her smile facing into a thin line as she raised her chin. “Because Teutobal are not letting the continent slide back into another war. The White Order and the Lightning Battalion should have been involved long ago to enforce a ceasefire. Erisdale and Alavaria should have pressured Lapanteria. We cannot let our desire to avoid fighting a war to stop us from preventing one coming to us.”

  Rowena swallowed but nodded. “We need to prevent it here and now. I understand, Gwen. I’m sorry I didn’t think to address this matter earlier.”

  Gwen’s stern look disappeared as she rested a hand on Rowena’s shoulder. “Wena, you have had an incredibly busy few years. Catching up on your education as a princess. You’re here, and you listened to me. That’s all that matters now.”

  “We would have appreciated an earlier warning, Gwen, but I get you,” Jess said, grumbling just a little.

  The three smiled at one another, a little worried at what may lie ahead, but glad to be reunited.

  Author's Note: Currently editing chapter 14 of 30? for A Fractured Song: Stormcaller's Clarion (Book 4, Siege of Erlenberg Arc).

  everything out. That and I developed as a writer so I had to adjust the somewhat telly adverbial bits of my style to use them with better discretion.