Epilogue

*Binessa Tianna,

As requested I write to give you an update on the project you have entrusted me with. The ‘school’ is well under construction, and while the guards you have assigned to keep the workers and building safe and orderly are welcome, I think, perhaps, they are not necessary. Many of the local children have come to watch the process with something like excitement in their gazes, I do think your offer of a living wage for each child that attends and is attentive to their studies has created quite the horde of ravenous learners.

I am having a difficult time finding tutors that are willing to spend their time teaching large groups of human children as opposed to the single Daemon families that they are used to. But never fear, I will persist and hope to have at least a few who are willing to accept your very generous wages by the time the school is built.

Our project currently is under budget, and ahead of schedule, thanks to an anonymous donation of building materials that were delivered nigh on two weeks ago now. If you know who our benefactor is you should offer your thanks, as it has been harder than I anticipated to purchase and gather materials from unwilling suppliers.

I will write once more when we make it to the next phase of construction.

Your house vassal,

Zacharia*

***

*Dearest Binessa,

I must say that life at the Palace has been quite dull without our afternoon teas. I am forced into excruciating conversations with courtiers who’s only concern in their fluff filled heads is whether next season will end as abruptly as this one.

I am happy to note, however, that even gone from the Palace proper you are still managing to make waves of intrigue in the populace. It seems your projects in the outer city are causing quite a stir among the courtiers. Mizare has begun a petition to encourage the Queen to stop such nonsense as it ‘creates unrest in the lower classes’. Humorously, very few have ventured to sign the thing. Perhaps not in support of the cause you are fighting, but at least not willing to oppose one so close to the Queen herself.

For myself, I took inspiration from the ‘community gardens’ from your world that you told me about that one afternoon, and decided on a little project of my own. Since you seem focused on the youth of the outer city, I thought that perhaps the women, or even men might benefit from a place to grow their own food. I purchased several of the fields nearby (at exorbitant prices, I might add), and any who wish may begin a garden for themselves next year. I am not sure how well this will work as some of the population is resistant to my aid, but the opportunity will be there, none the less.

I do very much look forward to mid-winter when I can see you and that beautiful baby once more.

Your’s sincerely,

Inla Savitik*

***

*Tianna,

My most precious sister,

How terribly boring the city has become this fall. I swear that more of the courtiers have left for the winter than have ever been gone at once. I admit, I am slightly regretting my decision to stay instead of venturing out to the manor along with you.

The only entertainment I have had is watching Torgux with his clumsy pursuit of the remaining daughters of court. Then I felt guilty, since he has been a friend to me, and encouraged him to return to his estates and put as much effort toward correcting the debts held there as he does with his pursuit of a bride. It did not win me many points with the man, but he left almost a week ago and now there is nothing for me to do. Maybe I will torture Mizare by denying her invitations for a while.

I very much look forward to our time together come mid-winter!

Your sister,

Trilola*

***

*Hadriana Binessa Tianna,*

*I hope that all is well with you and my niece. Things have been quiet in the capitol this winter, thank everything that is good. Heaven knows we need the peace.

As to your proposal...I will see what can be done. Already the cost of the outer patrols is exorbitant, adding educators and royal merchants to the entourage will not only slow the Queen’s men down but create several logistical problems. However, I can see the value in increasing our interest in the outlying towns and villages. Perhaps it is time that we remember that this Kingdom is a great whole instead of fractured bits.

Do enjoy your rest, I have a feeling this next court season shall prove interesting.*

*Yours truly,

Queen Vivauze**

*