In need of some fun, Chalyela journeys back to the castle.
Back at the castle, she has a few visitors.
Minstrel Merlyn is there along with a merchant from town.
The handsome minstrel captures Chalyela’s attention first.
“Would you be so kind to play me a tune on your lute.”
“Of course your majesty. What type of tune would you prefer?”
“Something brave and daring!”
“Something brave and daring!”
“Wait no! Something romantic and joyful!”
“No! Something…just play whatever you have in your heart to play,” Lady Chalyela finally says not able to make up her mind.
“But first I present you with this wildflower,” Lady Chalyela says flirting in an attempt to woo the minstrel.
“You are too kind M’Lady,” Minstrel Merlyn says accepting this gift from her majesty.
“I shall title this piece ‘Her majesty of Archolia’,” Minstrel Merlyn says before playing a joyful, strong and romantic piece of music on his lute.
Lady Chalyela is pleased and flattered.
“That is a sound most pleasing to my ear,” she says before beginning to dance.
Her dance is short lived before the merchant interrupts her, “I crave your pardon your highness.”
Chalyela would rather not be interrupted, but she knows that her duties as queen overrides her pleasure.
The lady merchant details to Lady Chalyela some of the plans for setting up trade agreements with other kingdoms across the sea.
The lady merchant details to Lady Chalyela some of the plans for setting up trade agreements with other kingdoms across the sea.
“We humbly request your permission to begin lines of trade with these kingdoms, some of which are located very far east of our own land.”
Lady Chalyela grants the merchant permission and turns her attention to Buildmaster Krispin. “Aw, builder Krispin, I have personally set out to the woods and stone mines and I can assure you that we have secured enough wood and stone to begin a new building here in Archolia.” She hands him a box with a sample of the wood and stone, along with blueprints.
“Thank you, your majesty. I shall begin work at once.”
Queen Chalyela does not return to her dancing. Instead she finds that her energy is low and her belly is empty.
She calls for her Justinian the Servant. “Fetch me a meal at once!”
“Yes your majesty, right away,” he says bowing deeply, before approaching the cauldron to begin preparing the queen’s supper.
“Yes your majesty, right away,” he says bowing deeply, before approaching the cauldron to begin preparing the queen’s supper.
Justinian adds only the best potatoes, vegetables and venison while preparing the queen’s meal.
Chalyela is delighted by the aroma of the stew.
She finishes her meal quickly. Although evening is approaching, she still has duties to fulfill before she can finally rest.
