Two months later and Pillar was a thriving beautiful city. The northern castle sat beautiful and majestic on a high plateau at the center of the city. Both city and castle had been restored.
Around the town rose a ten meter wall and just within that was a five meter aqueduct that ran along within the wall around the city and branched off into the different districts. They were both red with grey mottling stone that had been quarried from the surrounding mountains.
The city was not to capacity and it was in no way completely repaired but all districts had livable homes and usable businesses. Debris had been cleaned up and crumbling buildings had been destroyed.
The aqueduct was truly a marvel to behold and Grace was very proud of her people. She merely stated that she wanted running water in the castle and city and an ingenious person came up with an aqueduct and canal system. Fresh water continually ran through the town with a different canal system taking waste out of the town through three small pipe like tunnels in three different areas of the town.
These "waste" canals were covered, reducing the smell greatly.
Grace was standing on one of the high terraces within the castle main gardens. These gardens were raised terraces and could only be accessed from the queen's main chamber and special rooms with the family wing and the king's wing.
She looked out at the city of Pillar and she smiled. Two short months and they had accomplished so much. The castle was now in pristine Condition and the city was clean, thriving, and ready to grow. No it was probably the size of a small town but soon it would regain its mega city stature.
She turned to the left and looked at the fields of produce and grains and then she looked to the orchards. All was so pristine and wondrous to her eyes.
She looked to the sea and the small Port and frowned. In the distance was a huge eight mast ship and a smaller boat rowing toward the small port. Her frowned deepened.
Had Gabriel finally come to check on them. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind.
She looked to one of her guards. "inform the commander that we have visitors at the port."
The man casually looked to the port and his eyes went wide almost instantly. He bowed and quickly left to do as he was told. Meanwhile she called her servants to her and began to dress.
By the time she arrived, with her guard and advisors in tow, there was a loud confrontation occurring somewhere ahead. Her guard immediately became focused and vigilant. Grave frowned as listened to the interaction.
"Commander."
Her voice drifted almost sweetly over the crowd. It was clear and loud but it was not overbearing or authoritative. Still it demanded to be heard.
The commander's eyes went wide as he signaled his men to protect her without divulging who she was. They all instantly understood. A tall man with curly black hair and vibrant hazel eyes stood just behind the commander. He had just been annoyed but when her heard that enchanting voice he had looked up only to see the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his entire life.
He was awe struck and then smitten. A smile formed on his face and he could do nothing but stare at this beauty for the longest time. It wasn't until she spoke again that he was able to gather himself and break the trance.
"Commander. Stand down. We need trade and these people are here to trade. If you are suspicious keep guards at the ready." She looked directly at him and smiled a dazzling smile that had him once again entranced. "I am Grace Brithe. Former queen of Lystra. An d how may I call you sir?"
Her people flinched at her "former queen" comment. She sensed it but did not pause.
"you want to trade with us? We have unique produce, spices, marble, and other things. What is it that you are looking for?"
"Right now? A wife."
There was silence and both Grace and this rude man felt all of their guard tense as one. All she could think was he must be an idiot. Could he not since her commander's almost immediate need to protect her? She could see he was royalty but no one she knew. So he had to be from beyond the five seas. Her eyes flicked out to the large ship and quickly back to him.
The man held an odd smile and she could see his commander fighting to not roll his eyes. She deduced rest this was this man's normal behavior.
Edmond cleared his throat and looked to her as if asking a question. She nodded to indicate that he should proceed. Edmond looked toward the man.
"My Lord. We have plenty of products that we can trade. May I ask what you need, when do you need it?"
"For now I simply want to talk to your mistress."
Grace studied him for a long moment and then nodded. "Let us return to the castle and speak."
Many mouths opened in protest but she had already turned and began to walk away.
His name was King Samuel and Grace had been shocked to her that he was king of Golden Sea. It wad a vast area in the very center of the five seas and it was said to ne very dangerous to go there. The Golden Sea kingdom was made up of thirteen large islands and ten smaller ones.
Grace found King Samuel rather charming, once he behaved like a king that is. Edmond and the king's advisor were negotiating well. Grace's eyes lit up with excitement as she listened. She looked over to Ashley and almost could see the stars twinkling in her eyes. Her friend fell in love easier than rain could fall from the sky.
"Now, former Queen Grace, what do I need to do to take you home with me?"
The entire room stopped as he sipped his drink and they stared at each other.
'It would seem he rarely behaved as a king.'