25Lee sat as Clara pulled the last few strands of hair into place and slid in an ornate clip to hold them. She had been dressed and was ready to visit the city and see her people. Clara and Lee walked through the castle, making their way to the carriage waiting for them on the street.
It was a simple carriage, carved with the images of all of Bravug's rulers. It wasn't covered, as she wished to see her people. A pair of glistening copper stallions pulled it, their manes braided and harnesses polished.
"It's been a while since I've seen my city. Seven months to be exact." Lee said, turning to Clara.
"The city missed you very much...I think old Salfius has probably saved a tomato for you every day, although I don't think all of them will have lasted!" Clara said with a giggle. Salfius had known Lee from the time she was a baby, and knew that there was nothing she loved more than a crisp ripe tomato.
"We'll be sure to pay him for each one, as I'm sure he saved them as well!"
The carriage rolled along the streets, and Lee looked from side to side, waving and stopping it to talk to those she hadn't seen in a long time. She smiled at a group of children playing with sticks as swords; pretending to be kings of countries far from Bravug. One was dressed in play wooden armour, throwing packets of flour at another, pretending to be Woa with his explosives.
Woa was very highly looked upon by the people of Bravug. Although he used odd methods, they trusted him, and raised him to the status of a God occasionally. Woa had no idea, but Lee had named him her successor, should she be captured or leave Bravug for a long period of time. The crown which had been loaned to Kaseus was one she had designed for Woa, lest he should have to take over.
The city had changed since she had last been here; new shops stood where old ones had closed, many women wore a red patch over their hearts, telling others that their husbands had gone to prepare for war. There weren't many men left in Alesandros, and she feared that there wouldn't be many for a long time.
"There has been word that you will issue a reward for children being born, is this true?"
"As with all wartimes, it is. I was hoping to announce it later in the week, and all mothers who have had children in the last year will be rewarded as well."
Many countries had such rewards, as wars could last for decades, and more children meant more warriors in the future. Bravug was the only nation which rewarded female births as well, as Lee recognized that more mothers, workers, and wives would be needed for the growing number of people during a war.
"There have also been rumours that you will live in Hotesa"
"My husband and I have not discussed these things yet, but I assure you I will not abandon Bravug."
Clara continued to ask questions and bring up rumours as the carriage moved through the streets.
Olchev was surprised that the king had decided to continue with his chase of Queen Lee, after their conversation earlier that week. The king had lost all feelings of emotion, and looked to be strong again. Olchev had decided to prepare a plan for the capture of Kaseus, as he had already been head General for decades. It was time for his retirement, which is why Burgos had decided to make his position a reward. He would do this one last thing before his retirement, and he would retire to the Western Province with his family. He had been away from them for too long.
He called for his scouts, and his lieutenants.
"We've been tasked to capture the King of Hotesa. I need the following"
Olchev listed off a number of things, and tasked his subordinates to collect what was needed.
"We leave for Bravug tonight; pack your belongings and be ready to move before the sun sets."
"Yes General" They said in unison.
"What is your husband like?" Woa asked, sitting at the marble table in Amalei's mansion. He knew that court merchants made a good profit, but not good enough for the size of home which her husband had left for her.
"I'm not quite sure to be honest. Our parents made arrangements for our wedding, and he was picked up to work in the courts shortly after. We weren't able to conceive, and I think perhaps he blames me."
"It obviously was no fault of yours. It seems to me his seed must be weak". Woa said with a bit of a bite. He disliked this man without ever having met him.
"His seed maybe, but not he himself." She said, remembering.
"He had an array of scars which covered his body, as though he'd been beaten or at war. When I saw him last he had new ink patterned under his skin, in the shape of a crescent sickle."
Woa felt a smile start at the corners of his mouth. He knew what the tattoo represented, as it was much like his own. She was married to a General of Alphos.
"What is his name, if I'm allowed to ask?"
"Are you going to kill him?"
"Just curious, love"
"His name is Aytch. Aytch Ingurani."
Aytch had called for his mercenaries again, and he waited on the rooftop terrace of the palace for them to touch down. He disliked how well designed the terrace was; how warm the bathing pool, how quiet, and how beautiful the view of the city. He didn't believe that Bravug's slut queen deserved to live in the upper part of the palace, if in the palace at all...especially once swollen with the child she wouldn't deserve to carry.
He understood why Burgos was doing it; for strength with the nobles and an easy crushing of Bravug, but had it been Aytch's choice, he would bring her back and kill her publicly, to send a message. Then again, there was a large amount of people Aytch wanted to kill. Killing was easy; patience was hard. Perhaps if he were king he would rape her before her execution. She surely deserved it, and she was quite beautiful. Women were considerably easy for him. He was attractive, strong, wealthy, and dangerous. He'd spent nights with two, three, even four women wrapping themselves around him...and he undoubtedly had bastard children from a number. He'd never had a Queen, though. It would most certainly be fun to be king.
His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the distinct flapping of the forgean's wings. His men had arrived.