After sitting at the study desk once again I open the folio. It contains four letters, the oldest dated 13 Summer, the newest on 15 Summer. The Captain made good time, as that is only eight days ago.

The first letter introduces the Vintner that has come to the island to survey the suitability of growing wine grapes. It also informs me that one gold has been charged to my account for his passage as per the letter of 11 Summer.

The second letter, dated 13 Summer, informs me that a journeyman Glass maker has been hire for me. He and his wife shall be taking passage in about two weeks. Their passage, 4 gold, will be charged to my account.

The third letter, dated 14 Summer, is to inform me that a journeyman paper maker has been hired. He has asked to be allowed to take a month to arrange the sale of his current shop and equipment.

The fourth letter is interesting. It concerns rumors and gossip about the island of Haven or myself.

'To Rufina, Queen of Haven, Greetings.

As per your request, the company has gathered information concerning your kingdom. Here in is a listing of any rumor or gossip circulating about the city of Calvi.

Your Servant, Geo. Hawkworth."

Reading down the list of rumors most are old news. The death of father, Burnard and Jared. Her ascension to the throne. Rumors of her death shortly after her fathers. The one to catch her attention is the one that she is to marry. Count Romir has announced his engagement to Rufina of Haven. This is no rumor, as the source is the kings heralds. Further investigation into it has uncovered that Rufina's great grand uncle, her great grand mother's youngest brother, had brokered the marriage. Further more her third cousin Stanford and the Count were scheduled to leave Calvi on 31 Summer in route to Haven.

"Oh, fantastic. Some noble arsehole who thinks he will take over." I need more information on the Count. I remove a couple of sheets of paper and start drafting a letter.

'To George Hawkworth, General Manager of the Harding Company, Greeting.

I have received your letters of 13 thru 15 Summer. Upon reviewing the rumors, I find the one of my impending marriage most disturbing as it is a complete surprise. Would you please send any information or rumors available concerning Count Romir. If possible could you have this information to me no later than three days after he has departed Calvi. I will have someone manning the arrival area to meet the courier at the normal time starting on 30 Summer.

Concerning the Paper maker, inquire about his equipment, how much of it he requires to do his work. If there is any that is essential that he can't bring because of the shipping weight limitation, I will allow an additional shipping allowance.

You may have heard that we had a raider attack on 19 summer, with six casualties. Your courier had sighted the raid ship on his way to the island on 11 summer but they apparently waited a week before attacking. At that time I ordered 100 spearhead or iron to make 100 spearheads through Mark. As the courier had just left, that order was delayed a week, until Mark reached Monte'. Could you expedite it? The minimum number of spearheads shipped can be thirty with the balance a quantity of iron to make the remainder.

In that same order I requested a Bowyer and Fletcher. These two positions need to be filled quickly. The requirements are knowledge of the construction of bows and crossbows for the Bowyer and arrows and bolts for the fletcher. A same benefits as the other offers is tendered.

I have included a pouch of 20 gold pieces with this letter to cover some of the expenses.

Sincerely Rufina, Queen of Haven'

P.S. For your information, so you may update your description of me, I now have short hair.

I'm making a fair copy of the draft, when Emi comes in, "dinner is ready Rufina." I sign and date it then seal it with candle wax. Looking at the wax I realize I need to design a stamp to seal documents with. I write myself a note to remind myself of that before I follow Emi to the table.

After Tilly and Abbey bring the meal and I serve it we begin eating and chatting. After finding out what the others have been doing I tell them all about the contents of the first three letters. I will speak with Aden and Sophia about the the fourth letter later. Finishing I place my plate on tray as Helen and Sophia have wash duty with the assistance of Beth and Benny. I return to the study.

I pull out another sheet of paper and start designing the wax stamp. The design I settle on is a five pointed crown over the word Haven surrounded by a fancy border. Leaving the study I retrieve a pouch containing 20 gold then seek out Vincent, finding him in the guard tower.

As I search for him, I remember the paper maker Harold told me of. I need speak to Howard, asap. Having located Vincent, I say to him, "Vincent, I need you to go the the shop of Howard Schreiber and return with him. Tell him it concerns the paper maker he mentioned the other day."

I return to my sketching. Shortly Vincent leads Howard to me. "Stay close Vincent I have another errand for you to run. Howard, have you gotten the letter to your friend written?"

"Yes, Your majesty. It's in my room."

"Good, go fetch it. It can be delivered early." He bows his head then goes up stairs, returning shortly. Handing Rufina the letter scroll. "Tell me about this person. He is journeyman paper maker, correct?"

"He is your majesty. I have know him since our apprenticeship days, his master and mine worked on large project together. After we both made journeyman, he changed masters. One day my friend was watching the shop, when a fire broke out, destroying a portion of a shipment of paper. His master blamed him for the damage and charged him more than the paper was worth as punishment. He as been working on paying it off for several years now."

"How much is his current debt?"

"Four Gold, I believe."

"So your friend has no equipment of his own?"

"That is correct, your majesty. He uses the equipment of his master."

"What is your friends name?"

"Ross Butterfeld, your majesty."

"Thank you, Howard. You may return to your shop. How is it progressing?"

"The carpenters are there installing shelves as we speak. They brought a small supply of ash boards so I can start carving once the workbench is completed."

"Very good. I'll see you at supper, have a good day."

I started drafting a new letter.

'To George Hawkworth, general manager of the Harding Company, Greeting.

Enclosed are two letters to one Ross Butterfeld, a journeyman paper maker, located in Calvi, please forward them to him. I have been informed that Mister Butterfeld owes his current master four gold and wishes to leave his serve. I authorize you to loan mister Butterfeld the amount he owes his current master and to sign him to contract. Include in said contract terms for repayment of this loan but do not leave the man destitute. I suggest a five year contract with repayment within that five years. I will negotiate with mister Butterfeld concerning wages but the standard terms apply, that is a workshop and dwelling will be supplied, though in this case the workshop will be shared.

Sincerely Rufina, Queen of Haven'

I read and edit it a few times, then make a clear copy.

I then write another letter.

To Ross Butterfeld, Journeyman Paper Maker, Calvi, Greetings,

I have been informed by your friend Howard Schreiber that you wish to leave your current master but due to a debt owed him you can not. I have need of paper makers such as yourself. You and another would be responsible for setting up and operating a paper mill. If you wish to enter my employment I have authorized my agent, George Hawkworth, of the Harding Company, to loan you the amount of the debt you owe your master. My understanding is that you owe approximately 4 gold. I offer you a five year contract, with one gold against the loan yearly.

My standard contract usually includes a workshop and dwelling plus wages, in your case the workshop will be shared with another journeyman paper maker.

I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Sincerely Rufina, Queen of Haven'

Again I read and edit a few times before I make a clean copy. I make sure each letter is addressed correctly then tie and wax seal each one. I then find a bag that they and the pouch fit in.

"Vincent, please take this to the captain of the ship that arrived today. Hand it to him personally," handing him the letters and pouch. "And I would like a receipt."

"Yes, your majesty."

I return to my sketches after he leaves. But I barely get started when Emi arrives saying it is time for my run. Laying down my charcoal, I stand stretching. We climb the stairs to my room, where Emi pulls me into a hug, fondling my breasts, kissing me deeply. I sigh, "The captain is joining us today, love, so lets get dressed and get running. We can cuddle after." Of course this gets her pouting. Grabbing her butt cheeks I lift her to her toes, "No pouting, pouters don't get a licking." My fingers rub the edge of her mound. She squirms. I'm beginning to think she has a submissive streak. We will have to explore this but now it is time to run. We quickly change into shorts, tunics and boot stocking. Then to the back door we go, where we change to our boots.

Meeting Captain Robert out side the garden gate we start with some stretches. Finishing those we start jogging to the main gate where we increase our speed. We have finished one lap when the captain says, "You are barely breathing hard, your majesty, so another lap." So around we go, running a little faster this time, so I am breathing hard by the time we return to the drawbridge.

Walking to the garden gate to cool down, I say, "Thank you for the run, Captain. I'll see you at morning training." As we enter the gate he walks back around the front of the palace heading to the tower entrance.

Emi and I enter the garden, after checking the bricks for the laundry water heater. The bricks are nearly ready, a couple of more days and they will be dry enough. We retire to my rooms, after fetching pitchers of water. We are soon naked, scrubbing each other down, getting in lots of groping. Sophia mind speaks me shortly after we have both climaxed. Laying on the rug, in each other arms, we kiss a final time before cleaning up before dressing for supper. Emi heads to the kitchen to help serve as I seat myself.

I have noticed that we have a guest this evening. As Aden helps with my chair, he introduces the man on the other side of the table as Master Vintner Alfonse, who has come to survey the island for its suitability to grow wine grapes.

"Ah, welcome master Alfonse. I received a letter from manager Hawkworth earlier introducing you. Have you taken a room in the inn?"

"Not as yet your majesty."

"Very good. Christina, do we have a open room for master Alfonse?" I ask Christina as she is the only maid at the table this evening, the other two having gone home to be with their families.

"I believe that the room over the storeroom is open at this time. I shall prepare it after supper."

"Thank you Christina. Tobias, would you assist master Alfonse in fetching his luggage from the ship?"

"With pleasure Your majesty."

"Aden, would arrange for a guide for master Alfonse. They will need horses and provisions for several days." Tilly and Abbey bring the meal out, interrupting me so I stop issuing orders and start acting as a hostess. We are have a roast of lamb tonight, with roasted root vegetables. Plates are passed around, meat and vegetables served and plates returned in good order. As I am passing out food, the others are questioning Master Alfonse on the particulars of wine making and his personal information.

They learn he is a fourth generation wine maker, married with two children one who is his apprentice. The reason they have decided to come to the island is expense. To setup a vineyard on the mainland is very expensive as the nobles control most of the prime land. The nobles also control the market in most towns, making it hard to get established. More than one vintner has gone broke and lost his winery to the dirty dealings of the nobles.

We have a pleasant meal, with good conversation. After we have finished eating Tobias and Alfonse depart, heading to the ship to fetch the luggage. Emi and I take the children to their rooms. Benny is put straight to bed, Beth asks if she could have a bath tonight instead of in the morning. Taking a pitcher Emi goes to the kitchen. While she is gone, Beth and I prepare the basin, the tub and the other items needed. As we prepare things, I ask what she has been doing today. Sophia had her reading a book of history, then questioning her on what she read. Then had her writing sentences she would tell her. Then they would pretend to be merchants, buying and selling things, adding up the costs of the sales. Later Christina took her and Benny out to walk around the orchard, where Christina told them the names of the different trees.

When Emi returned with the pitcher of hot water, Beth removed her clothes and stood in the tub, while Emi and I washed her. She seemed to enjoy getting scrubbed especially the head massage with getting her hair washed. Rinsing her off then wrapping her in a towel, Emi sat her on the chest and cleaned and trimmed her toenails. Her finger nails followed. As Emi was doing that I was brushing her hair. When she was dressed for bed, the three of us crawled on to the bed, Emi next to Benny, Beth and I leaning on the head board. Beth soon finishes the book so slides down, laying her head in my lap. I stroke her head as she relaxes, I start humming the lullaby I remember Mama and Grandma sing to me. I snuff one of the two candles so the room is dimly lit. Soon Beth is snore along with Benny. Tucking them in Emi and I kiss their cheeks good night.

Going out to the sitting room we, give it a quick clean, gathering the dirty cloths, dumping the dirty water, wiping the tub which get put back in the corner. Completing that Emi takes the chamber pot out and I return to the table, I need to speak with Alfonse.

As I waited for Alfonse to return, I sit remembering what I know of vineyards on Earth. As I remembered images of classical old world vineyards, most are on hill sides near mountains. Humm, Alfonse may have to travel half way to Four Rivers to find a suitable area to grow wine grapes. I do hope he finds what he needs. If he can't find a location near Haven perhaps he can goto the other towns and villages.

Alfonse and Tobias return, each carrying a couple of bags, which they lay near the stairs. Thanking Tobias for the help, I lead Alfonse to the study. After placing a pair of candles on the mantle, we sit facing each other near the fireplace. "How have you found Haven so far, Master Alfonse?"

"It is a pleasant place, a little on the warm side, but still very nice."

"Good. I realized while waiting for you this evening that the area around Haven may not be the best for wine grapes, being to hot and dry. I recommend going inland about twenty miles south. That area should be cooler and wetter, better suited to grape cultivation. The downside would be transportation of the wine produced and procuring supplies."

"When was the last time it rained here in Haven?"

"I believe it has been nine weeks now. The rains should start in another four weeks. Summers are pretty dry."

"I do believe you are correct that the area around Haven is too dry and hot for grapes. Are there any other areas I should check?"

"Minster Aden or Tobias would have a better idea of other areas than I would, I'm sorry to say. Do you think you will start tomorrow?"

"It will take a day at least to gather equipment and supplies for the journey, so no. The day after possibly."

"Considering that I wish to know if the island is suitable to grow grapes, I will pay for your basic supplies. I will supply you with a letter to present to the merchants stating I will pay their charges. Please, don't be too extravagant, I maybe a noble but I have a great many expenses and not a great amount of income."

"Thank you, your majesty. I will keep expense down. The report you wish me to write, what do you want in it?"

"I wish to know which areas would be best suited for grape cultivation, if there are any. I asked for up to three master vintners, you are the first to apply. A report by you could persuade other to come. I will send a copy to my agent in Calvi to show prospective immigrates. I don't wish to induce people here under false pretenses."

We sit and talk awhile longer. He tells me what type of climate, soil and conditions that grapes need. He asks what fruit trees grow and bear here. I tell him apples, peaches, figs, pears, plums, and cherries, all grow and fruit.

Christina appears, saying that the room is ready. He bids me goodnight. I ask Christina to help carry his luggage to his room. They each take a pair of bags and climb the stairs. A few minutes later I see Christina carrying a pitcher of water up the stairs as I am talking to Aden about Alfonse's journey. A few minutes later Christina approaches, asking if Alfonse can send several bags of laundry out in the morning. I tell her that he can, just make sure they are marked or separated.

When Aden and I are done, I climb the stairs to my rooms, where I find Emi waiting. She sits me on the chest then removes my slippers and stockings. Her tiny knife appears and she trims my toenails then massages my feet. Soon she has worked her way up my body massaging other places. We end up having to wash the juices off each other before we can retire. When we do retire we are cuddled in the middle of the bed, naked, with the sheet over us. Shortly after the candle is snuffed we are lightly snoring.