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There is still the small problem of the siege of the Toothpick fort. You left Ramon to handle it. He's been at it for about a week now. It's the last holdout of Saraqusta's former regime. They don't know that they've already lost the war so... you need to take Aiza there and show them since they aren't going to take your word for it if you send a message that Saraqusta has fallen.
In the meantime, Saraqusta needs an acting garrison commander. You can only really entrust Uncle Ansur with it. Before departing, you gave him the list of names of suspects and explain to him your 'theory' about the queen's death being perpetrated by the same group as your father's assassination. He is very approving when you state that you 'extracted' the list of suspects from the former queen.
You leave him with a warning not to prosecute his search too cruelly. Only the members of those families are to be apprehended. No more. No less.
You travel light back to the Toothpick. Only two of your knights, Aiza, and yourself. If you push your horses, you can it there in two days. Hell, if you commandeered fresh horses, you could make it one day. A small group travels considerably faster than an army.
The journey has been quiet from Aiza. Your household knights are in high spirits and engage you in plenty of conversation along the way, but Aiza hangs back and hides behind her veil. She's dressed much less opulently for your journey which is smart. She's replaced her ultramarine silk veil for a black cotton one. Her dress is similarly made from an airy cotton to breathe in the hot summer weather. You have switched out your fine tunic for a similar but far cheaper version in the Tartessian style. It is a simple blue affair, devoid of frills or embroidery. Bandits are always a concern when a war is going on. Brigands are ever the opportunists. Advertising your wealth is a sure way to attract them.
Not that you couldn't slay hordes of common brigands, but it would be a chore.
"Why are we stopping?"
It's the first thing Aiza says in hours and it comes after you and your knights have picked out a good place to camp for the night. You are surrounded by the woods and a nearby stream provides fresh water. You could have stopped a bit further back and stayed at an inn in one of those small towns, but a king and former queen staying at such a humble inn? It wasn't even really an inn. A family had a few extra rooms they rent out to travelers. You'd be staying in a peasant hovel for a night.
You'd rather just stay outdoors.
"We're setting up camp," you reply. Aiza hasn't actually said a single word in Tartessian yet. You ought to ask if she can even speak it.
Her eyes bulge and she gasps, "Outside?!"
"Yes, outside."
"Like animals?!" she screeches. You had not expected the idea of sleeping in a tent to distress her so much.
"Animals do not sleep in tents. It is not so bad."
"This is the worst," Aiza mutters under her breath, crossing her arms and turning her nose up in the air.
Your household knights laugh and chuckle among themselves. Even without understanding Mezweshi, they can piece together what has the former queen so up in arms. "Is the pretty queen afraid of a little bit of dirt?" Sir Miguel, one of your younger knights asks you.
"It seems so," you reply.
Aiza continues complaining, unbothered by the conversation she evidently cannot understand. "We have been riding all day. My thighs are sore. I was hoping for a bed to sleep in. Are you not a True Magus? Could you not have teleported us to my uncle? Or flown?" She stomps her foot in frustration and her hands are balled into fists at her sides.
You chuckle at her antics. Her anger is like the hissing and spitting of a kitten. Cute, in a way.
"I cannot fly all the way from Saraqusta to the Toothpick—"
"Toothpick? That is not what it is called!"
"— and I cannot teleport without a teleportation circle yet. I can, however, teleport us back. I made sure to memorize the key to the one in your city," you continue despite her interruption.
Aiza huffs and crosses her arms.
The two knights with you burst into laughter. "A spoiled princess that one!" one of them shouts.
The other knight guffaws and slaps his knee.
You sigh and shake your head. "It is only for one night. We will be at the Toothpick tomorrow and then I will teleport us back to Saraqusta. You can manage one night."
"If I am not pricked to death by mosquitos in the night! Or eaten by a wolf!"
You place your hand on her head and ruffle her hair patronizingly, "I am sure you can handle a wolf, and I will set up some insect repellant wards around the camp." It isn't as if you want to be plagued by pests either.
Aiza jerks away from your hand, her face a mask of indignant anger.
The two knights with you laugh heartily. "A feisty one she is!" one says.
The other nods and adds, "A fine bedwarmer. I am jealous, my king."
"There is no better one for a king than a former queen, right?" you joke back with your men, confident Aiza can't understand you.
"What are they saying about me?" Aiza demands, "Tell them not to talk about me like I'm not here!"
"They said your tantrum is cute," you answer honestly.
Aiza's shoulders slump and she pouts. She doesn't want to hear that. "W-Whatever. Set my tent up in due haste. I wish to have some privacy. I have been surrounded by your bleating brutes all day. I wish for some peace and quiet."
Your knights are surprised when you set up two tents, one for Aiza and one for you. You explain that you're easing her into it so you're giving her space for now and they accept that explanation. You'd rather not speak about Aiza as if she is a... war trophy that you are free to use, but the men expect such behavior from you. At least they understand that you want to seduce her, not rape her.
The knights set up a small cooking fire and start preparing dinner while you set up the wards. They're not difficult. Just a minor ward to keep insects at bay and another to prevent wild animals from encroaching upon your camp by blocking out attractive smells. The night goes by uneventfully with Aiza largely keeping to herself. She's incredibly wary of all of you but of your knights in particular.
The next morning, Aiza emerges from her tent, her platinum blonde hair a mess. Her hair is very long and she is used to having a servant whose sole duty is in helping her maintain it. With the summer humidity and the heat, it's become frizzled and wild.
"Good morning, Aiza," you greet her. You're unable to fight the amused smile creeping up your lips. She does look ridiculous.
She shoots you a murderous look, daring you to say anything about it. You don't, but you can't hide your grin. You can imagine her expression even with the veil on. You think if you pointed out that you did bring some brushes for the horses that she could use, she would throw all caution to the wind and attack you.
You eat a quick breakfast and then pack up the camp. You'll need to get moving soon if you wish to arrive at the Toothpick today. Aiza is none too pleased about having to ride again so soon. You notice her wince as she sits atop her horse. Her thighs are still tender from yesterday's ride. The former queen is too used to riding in carriages and rickshaws.
Well, she'll have to toughen up eventually. A lady ought to be able to ride a horse without complaining.
The remainder of the journey passes without event. You make it to the Toothpick during the late afternoon and are quickly intercepted by scouts before you reach it. A group of armed men on horseback approach you. You recognize them based on the heraldry on their shields. Sir Juan has his distinctive shield blessed by Death, Sir Martin, and Lord Velasco.
"Halt!" Lord Velasco commands as he rides up to your group. You haven't been riding with any distinctive heraldy or banners so they do not recognize you until they're nearly upon you. "This is— MY KING?!"
"Hail, Lord Velasco. I bring good tidings. This is the former Queen Aiza of Saraqusta. I believe her uncle may surrender the fortress upon seeing her," you inform him.
The man looks utterly shocked, his jaw agape. His gaze darts from Aiza to you and then back again. You can almost hear his brain trying to process this. "Saraqusta has... fallen already?"
You grin and nod. "Yes. Saraqusta has fallen. Now let us be done with this siege and march the prisoners back to Saraqusta. There is much work to do."
"Thanks be to the Gods," Sir Martin sags in relief. No one likes a siege.
"What of the loot, sire?" Sir Juan asks. The man is strapped for coin after spending so much on recovering his shield.
"The city was not looted. They surrendered peacefully. Rest assured, there will be plunder aplenty in the coming years. You do not think I am stopping at merely Saraqusta, do you?"
Sir Juan nods and accepts your answer. He'll have his spoils eventually.
Lord Velasco clears his throat and speaks up. "Shall I bring you to Prince Ramon then, my king?"
"You shall. Thank you," you reply.
Lord Velasco leads you into the camp. It is built about a thousand yard away from the Toothpick. There are many rows of tents with men going about their daily duties. There are handful of field engineers directing the construction of siege artillery. A few are tending to their horses. Many more are simply idling. There isn't much to do during a siege. It is a dull affair of waiting for the enemy to lose their nerve or run out of food.
As you pass the men, they rise and cheer upon realizing who you are. "My king! All hail King Alonso! The Devil's Son has returned victorious once more!"
Aiza shrinks under their collective gaze. She pulls a hood up and tries to hide behind her veil. You can imagine how the men see her. A conquered elfblood woman. She is a half-elf so despite not recognizing her as the queen, it is obvious she is of high status. And she is beautiful.
You arrive at Ramon's command tent. The banner of Alfida flaps in the wind. The prince has taken refuge within it while he recovers. You felt terrible about appointing him to oversee this business while injured, but your brother was the only one you could trust besides perhaps Uncle Ansur. But you needed him with you for the siege of Saraqusta.
"Brother...? I thought the men had gone mad out there. What are you doing back here?" Ramon asks. His eyes widen as he sees you and he rises from his chair with a tortured hiss. "You aren't going out for joy flights while the men lay siege to Saraqusta are you?"
"No. I have already succeeded in capturing Saraqusta. Meet the former queen, Aiza of Saraqusta," you introduce her.
Ramon gapes. "I... what? Already? Did they surrender the moment you arrived?"
"Not that exact moment but within hours, yes," you reply casually. "They realized the futility of continued resistance. A similar sentiment will arise among the defenders of the Toothpick soon, I suspect."
Your brother's eyebrows arch and he whistles lowly. He looks over the girl again, this time taking care to observe her. "I cannot believe you managed it so quickly. Perhaps the Gods favor us after all. I am eager to be done with this and acquire good rest so that my stitches heal."
"Then I shall make haste," you turn to Aiza and speak in Mezweshi, "Come, Aiza. Let us meet your uncle."
You sweep her legs and hoist her up in a princess carry, causing her to yelp and squirm in your grasp.
"P-put me down! W-what are you doing?!"
Her protests are ignored as you cast a flying spell and then take to the skies. Aiza clings tightly to you as you soar above the camp and approach the fortress. A great wall of stone and wood surrounds a tall and thin tower made of the same materials. The outer gate is currently sealed and archers stands on the battlements ready to rain death on those who approach. Already their bows are trained on you.
"Amir Walid! This is King Alonso de Alfida. I have with me your queen! The city of Saraqusta has fallen! Your continued resistance is futile. I call upon you for parley to discuss terms!" you shout in Tartessian from the skies. Elfblood men tend to be able to speak the common language here. You know the Amir can understand it.
"Do not fire!" the Amir shouts, "What is this nonsense you are speaking, whelp?!" He shouts back at you. From this distance, he can't recognize Aiza in your arms. Plus, she's still covering herself with a hood.
"Tell them, Aiza," you command her.
Aiza sighs. She's already given up and resigned herself to your will. As long as you cooperate, you've promised not to harm her or her uncle. The only hope left in her life is to believe you.
She pushes the hood back and removes her veil. Her long and gorgeous hair blows freely in the wind. It's tangled but still quite pretty. She turns to the fortress and shouts, "Uncle Walid, I am safe. The King has promised myself and our people mercy if we surrender. Please... surrender."
The archers atop the battlements all lean over and take a good look at Aiza, their eyes bulging. Even Amir Walid cannot help but gasp and fall to his knees in shock.
Aiza pleads, "Please. Open the gates. Surrender."
"It is as she says, Amir Walid. Open the gates and I promise the safety of your men and their families," you state.
Amir Walid takes several deep breaths, his eyes darting from side to side. He rises slowly and lifts his hands into the air. "Open the gates. We have been defeated."
With that, the gates open. The defenders of the fortress exit and lay down their arms in surrender. Their will is broken. You are surprised by the ease of it all, but not disappointed. You were confident that it would be quick, but not this quick. You land within the fortress, gently setting Aiza down. The Amir stands before you, his head bowed. The rest of his men mirror his posture.
"Amir Walid," you begin, "We meet again. It seems the impetuousness of youth has won the day. Fortunately for you, I am a very gracious victor. I have promised your niece your safety in my custody. The rest of your men can go free once we've sorted everything out back in the capital."
Amir Walid nods his head, accepting the terms. He has no other choice. "I understand."
"Good," you clap your hands together and exhale sharply. "This last bit of business is finally concluded. You and your men will travel back to Saraqusta where I will be waiting. Come, Aiza. It is time to sentence your mother's killers to their death."
You grab Aiza by her wrist and pull her to your side. She needs to stick close during the teleportation. "Close your eyes tight. DO NOT open them, understand?"
"W-What?" she asks.
"The Avernal Realm is madness incarnate. A mage needs to be trained tirelessly to resist his mind coming apart while traversing it. Do not worry, however. You are traveling with an experienced teleporter," you assure her.
"W-We're teleporting back already? I wished to speak with my uncle, and—"
"You'll have plenty of time for that once he's made it to the city. Come," you insist as you begin channeling the energies for the spell. Aiza squeaks in fright and screws her eyes shut tightly. You focus, pulling your thoughts together and gathering the necessary magic.
"We're leaving," you warn her, and then, the world fades to darkness and your thoughts are dragged down a dark abyss.
The next thing you know, your feet are planted firmly on the ground of Saraqusta.
"—ng. We're... we're here?" Aiza gasps. She's disoriented and dizzy, stumbling about.
"Yes. You can open your eyes now."
Saraqusta doesn't have a teleportation circle in the palace. It's contained within a special customs building so that mages who use it can be easily taxed and searched. Of course, they aren't going to tax you. You're the king here now.
Aiza opens her eyes and groans. "Ooohhhh." She holds her stomach and hunches over. Her head spins and she wobbles about like a newborn foal trying to find its footing. The handful of magelings and bureaucrats administering the place come running over to welcome you, bow, and scrape. They all want your attention but you're busy making sure Aiza doesn't vomit.
"I warned you it would be unpleasant. The first few times are the worst. You gradually grow accustomed to it."
Aiza takes a few deep breaths and manages to steady herself. The room stops spinning and her stomach no longer threatens to rebel against her. She swallows her gorge and nods, "I-I'll take your word for it."
Time to get see what Uncle Ansur has accomplished in the two days you were gone.