Jano and Robin left the training camp and walked through the streets. Goshnia was even more beautiful up close than it had seemed when they had glimpsed it on their approach. It was nowhere near as crammed together as Qursa had been or as interestingly laid out as Molinia. It was set up in a large sort of grid, with well maintained roads and paths. Trees lined each walkway and small streams trickled lazily throughout. After such difficult training, he found himself automatically relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. Further out of the centre, the houses were closer together but it was hardly cramped. Each farm worker had their own property, which came with a garden Robin explained. The Queen had reorganised society in the aftermath of the succession battles to create a lasting peace.

That bought her huge public support and quelled most of any lingering spirit of rebellion. Jano could see why, as they walked through the richer parts of society, there was a mix of markets and merchants. There were plenty of wonderful smells drifting out of restaurants which seemed to be down every street. In the mundanity of everyday life, people seemed happy, with more than enough to eat and occupy their minds.

The waterways which ran flush to the main paths ran clear and bubbled away gently. The sound was enough to soothe Jano’s spirit. Some of the citizens simply sat by and watched the water carry the loose pink blossom away. It was eminently peaceful. He longed to join them and while away the days until they had to leave.

Robin had obviously been preparing for a trip to Goshnia for some time. She knew all about the waterways. “They were installed as a means of keeping the surrounding land arable as well as feeding the trees in the city itself” she spoke as they walked. “Originally a form of irrigation, they were then transformed into a much loved part of the city. And it isn’t hard to see why is it?”

He looked out over the rows of vineyards in the distance. The weather was somewhat warmer here, particularly as the seasons shifted. She talked at length about the goods produced by the Goshnian farmers as they watched the traders pass by with their large trailers pulled by mighty oxen or horses. Jano wondered if Gippies were only used by the Molinians, or whether they were not suitable for pulling cargo. They were certainly less smooth than horses. She discussed the wine industry with considerable enthusiasm while often reassuring Jano that she wasn’t simply a drunk. It was apparently expected that a royal in Molinia would know about such things. It showed that she was cultured. Jano had earned a punch in the arm when he expressed his doubts.

They headed towards the Paper Palace. The guards were a mix of Goshnians, resplendent in azure blue armour and darkly clad Chaos-Shapers. They let them through with minimal inspection. They knew who they were. Or who Robin was at least. It was the only large building which Jano had seen other than the mansion and barracks but it looked regal with its white washed walls. It didn’t stretch into the sky, but covered a great surface area instead. They walked through the centre which connected directly to the private gardens, where trees were strategically placed around the lush green grass, with the pink blossoms scattering some colour across the green.

They walked over a small wooden bridge which passed over a shallow pond. Colourful fish swam lazily as Jano peered over the side. One came up to meet him, perhaps expecting some food. He felt guilty that he had none to give.

“The Paper Palace is open to anyone at any moment. Which gives an element of transparency to everything decided by the Queen.” Robin was in the middle of another monologue. Jano wasn’t sure whether she really minded if he was listening or not, but he soaked up the information. It was incredibly interesting that this place was so different.

They wandered through the delicately constructed rooms. Inside lay several small but beautiful murals graced the walls. Jano was fascinated. Qursa had been so utilitarian. It was designed for a purpose and only the Palace and the University were even remotely similar.

“They are leaving us. But your Majesty, we are still not proven to stand by ourselves.” Jano heard a man’s voice drifting from a nearby room.

His ears pricked up as they passed a long room. Inside was yet another small water feature and a small tree in a reddish brown pot. The tree stood adjacent to a brilliant white throne, which looked to be made of the same type of wood. The back of the throne was not wholly solid, but twisted and knotted wood with small gaps. It was beautiful. Almost as beautiful as the woman who sat atop it.

“We have enjoyed the stability of our friends for long enough. My friend, the time has come to stand on our own as a nation. They have agreed to leave a small portion of one hundred soldiers. That must be enough. If our own army can be bought out from under us now, we do not deserve the rule we claim to own.”

“But your Majesty..”

The Queen was radiant. Dressed in a mix of white and light pink to match the trees which had become so synonymous with Goshnia. Jano felt as though he was intruding and kept his head down, but Robin walked towards the room. There were several others in the room and they all looked toward the newcomers. Jano walked awkwardly to catch Robin, his arms flailing after her. Inside, he was cursing her, but he didn’t want to fall behind and to stick out even more than he already did.

“Ah these must be some of our new guests.” The Queen waved her hand to the man who she had been talking to but moments earlier. He gave Robin and Jano a frustrated look, but then headed out into the mansion and out of view.

Robin courtesied and Jano tried to remember how to bow sufficiently. He was aware that a man would be expected to bow differently to Robin, but it ended up looking like a terrible hybrid version of a courtesy and a bow. He stood up quickly and his face flushed red.

“I apologise for the interruption of your Majesty. I am Robin and I am next in line for the throne of the Shadow Air clan of Molinia.”

The Queen smiled and waved them closer. She turned to face Jano and he felt his face become hotter. The fact that his face now matched the deep pink blossom didn’t help either. She expected him to introduce himself. He looked quickly to Robin, but for once her face was respectful and bowed to the queen. Her eyes darted quickly towards him, but her intention was as clear as day. ‘Hurry up’ her expression seemed to scream.

“My name is Jano Sumner. I am an apprentice to Dariea and a guest of the Molinia Alliance.” The words stumbled out of his mouth.

“It is lovely to meet you both. My name is Shian, I am the Queen of Goshnia.” Robin gave a polite curtesy and Robin bowed. He wanted to think he was getting better at it, but he wasn’t entirely sure. “So what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” Shian talked so graciously and softly that Jano felt himself wanting to trust her.

Robin took the lead and Jano felt the knot in his stomach ease. “I am here to specifically represent the Shadow Air clan. My mother wanted to reinstate our support for your reign and she asked me to lay the groundwork for an official trade visit at the end of the summer. If your Majesty is interested of course.”

Ah. Jano felt that he had been stitched up. She had always planned on coming to meet the Queen and here he was looking like an idiot in his training garments. Robin knelt down and set out a bundle. There were several gems of shimmering green, some matching jewellery and some other things which Jano didn’t recognise. “A few tokens of our appreciation.”

Shian held up the largest of the slick green stones. She nodded and asked one of her attendants to gather up the bundle. “Gems of pure wind essence. That is a very generous gift. Please give my thanks to your mother and your clan. These are gratefully received and I will send an attendant back with you to Molinia to make the arrangements. I will arrange for a reciprocal gift to be delivered to you before you leave, but unfortunately I need to attend to a few other matters. If you will excuse me..”

“Of course your Majesty.” Robin curtsied once more and Jano managed a hasty bow. .

Queen Shian greeted another attendant who shepherded her towards some other section of the room where another few people stood. They looked over towards Jano and Robin, they wore a frustrated expression. Perhaps they had stolen their space.

“Come on. That’s me done, wanna go train some more?” Robin asked.

“I would really appreciate that. At least then I’m only an embarrassment in front of you.” He smirked.

“Oh no. You’re an embarrassment basically everywhere. Let’s see if we can change that.”