Lonely Knoll was Biyu's third city after Trade Town, West Pass, and City in the Sky, though the latter likely did not count. It was May's first Southland city. Sir Stuart see fit to share with them if he had been in a Southland city before, but the way he looked around in curiosity, it was unlikely. As a local, Iris acted as their guide, giving them a tour of the city.

  The city was built around a lone tall broad hill, where the palace complex lay. Midway up the hill was a wall that surrounded its heights. Roads and stairs were cut from the sides of the hill to gates, one in each cardinal direction. The knoll itself was mostly rocky, with scrub growing in the few places dirt clung to the hill. There were no structures other than the walls and gatehouses on the slopes of the hill, leaving a clear view of the palace complex on top. Of the buildings on top, two were easily visible from the base. One was quite large, while the other was a scaled down replica. They had tilted tiled roofs, and were painted a vibrant blue with dark brown trimming. Iris pointed them out, and told them that the larger building was Count Lonelyknoll's second wife's residence, and the other belonged to Viscount Lonelyknoll.

  They entered the city through the northern quarter, where most of the residential areas for the lower class were. Guards, a Knight leading commoner soldiers, were walking a patrol. Biyu was interested to see that none of the citizens were afraid of them. They took a measured look at Biyu in her mask, but continued on without stopping them. The streets were clean, although some of the smaller wooden structures were so worn down they should have been demolished and rebuilt.

  Wooden hovels bloomed like mushrooms between the larger residences, either in small alcoves or along alleyways between the walls of the larger homes. Some of the people who lived within the hovels would beg outside their shacks, but most hovels had no obvious residents. Some of the beggars looked like they offered services, but seeing three women with a single man, they turned to more promising customers.

  Other houses were imitations of noble town houses constructed from stone or brick. The gates in their walls faced either east or west, where a noble's would always face north, the direction that got the most sunlight the year around. It was obvious they were the houses of the city bourgeois. Off the main street were a number of row houses, visible because of their three-story heights peeking over the walls of the residences. Some of the residence's walls had customer windows with banners depicting the goods or services they provided. Most of them were common items, fruit, cheese or other goods, with bored adults, young and old, calling for customers.

  There were women of questionable virtue standing on the corners of cross streets, but like the hovel tenants they ignored their passage. Iris ignored the women, making no comment as they came to a cross street bearing east and west. In both directions, the road turned south. Iris noted that the road circled the hill, and formed the main thoroughfare of the city. Where the North Road and circular road crossed formed a square where a market was constructed.

  In the market, a number of wood and canvas stands sold various goods. Some had oxcarts with additional goods besides them, but most were simple freestanding structures or Human pulled two wheeled carts. People haggled and purchased goods, ranging from mundane goods to those enchanted with ritual magic that could be used for light or cooking safely indoors. There was a stall for charms, and even one selling manuscripts and scrolls on a variety of topics. In this part of the city, it was one of the least visited stalls.

  Iris explained there were three circular roads, one at the base of the hill, the one they were now on, five miles from the inner road, and a final informal cobblestone road where most of the city poor lived in shacks and lean-tos outside the walls of the city. There were four compass roads, running from the compass gates of the palace compound out of the city. East, they went to another city in Lonely Knoll that was connected to the North-South Road. West, they left Lonely Knoll to another county. South, they went through large vast ancient farmlands. North, it left Lonely Knoll and passed into the Midlands West Pass.

  To the west was the guard block, which was barred to them. Iris explained that it was where most of the guilds had their chapters houses, along with the compound for the city guards. The guards had a mix of wind and earth affinities, with techniques developed for fast communication, defense, and modest offensive capabilities. Many Knights focused on skills for apprehension rather than slaying, and they had some surprising non-lethal techniques to stop thieves and other lawbreakers.

  While they could head south to the inner road, which circled the whole knoll unimpeded, Iris led them east to the merchant quarter. The difference was gradual, the residences becoming larger as they followed the road. Soon townhouses and the main gates of small estates only faced north, as was proper. Row houses started to show up in some of the larger estates. Iris told them that the row houses were where the staff and lesser members of the merchant association would stay, particularly those who traveled a lot or lower status out of town guests of the merchant association. Across the road of most of the residences were warehouses of various sizes. They were not matched to the residences, and many posted signs offering rental space. Many warehouses granted limited sales along the curb outside of them, typically renting access to merchants who wished to run small stands, either from windows in the warehouse walls, or from small carts converted into stands.

  The center of the merchant quarter, where it intersected the East Road, was another large open plaza similar to the one on the North Road in the residential district, only much larger. The stalls here sold a wider variety of goods, and even the shops with limited appeal, like the ones selling books or pricey ornaments, had a few people perusing the items. The buildings surrounding the square were the largest merchant groups and the Treasure Hunters.

  "We should stop at the Treasure Hunters," Biyu said.

  "Of course, Lady Biyu," said Iris, giving a curtsy. "We should make arrangements for the evening, too. Shall we rent a room tonight, and get quarters tomorrow?"

  "I'll take care of long term residence," Sir Stuart said. "We have others following after us, and I'll need to make sure the arrangements are appropriate."

  Nodding, Iris asked, "More of Lady Biyu's household?"

  Snorting with amusement, Sir Stuart responded, "No, you've met Lady Biyu's entire household. I'm with Lady Chelsea Stoneshield and her entourage. We came ahead because Lady Biyu had pressing business in the city. I'm here to chaperon her."

  "I see," Iris said. "I know a place Knights and Lords of the Land stay when the palace complex cannot accommodate them, such as during tournaments and circuses. It is an inn intended for petty nobles, so it should serve our needs."

  Sir Stuart gave a nod. "Very well. I will cover the cost. We'll get a list of suitable properties, and tomorrow I'll look to getting something appropriate."

  Iris gave Sir Stuart a polite smile, and another curtsy. "Very well, Sir Stuart. Shall we go in?"

  The group entered the Treasure Hunters. Sir Stuart went to look at a board plastered with various posting and free public information. Behind the counter a short, thin man with a bald pate and a well trimmed beard was helping someone. There was a short line of people waiting, with a row of seats giving them a place to sit and wait. Biyu motioned for Iris to seat herself. The woman did so, her chin lifted pridefully. Biyu stood behind her chair, and started to rub Iris's shoulders. May took her place beside Biyu, her normally expressive face impassive as she took in the crowd. Sir Stuart, when he finished perusing the board, took a seat in the waiting area, his manner relaxed but his eyes vigilant.

  Those waiting in line gave them a measuring once over, with most eyes settling on Iris. One man, a giant armored mercenary, approached at a swagger. Biyu turned her attention to the man, and he stuttered in his stride on seeing her challenge him. Tiny as she was, Biyu was openly armed and masked. In a world where anyone could potentially be a Knight or, rarely, a god, that alone was intimidating. One of the most common cautionary tales were about a prideful man crossing a commoner, only to suffer when the commoner was revealed to be a god in disguise. Or, worse, Lord Hells himself. The endings varied, but typically the prideful man was humiliated, cursed, slain, or had his family cursed for seven generations. Biyu never quite understood why it was seven generations.

  Smiling smugly, Iris leaned back into Biyu. She had kept her hair orange, but her eyes were now gold with red flecks. Her cheeks were made up again, glamour hiding her skin behind conjured fine face powder and makeup.

  Biyu desired to learn a version of the glamour technique to change her own face, but there had been no time on the road to learn more than the gist. The aspect the technique relied on was unlikely to be compatible with her own, meaning it would be expensive for her to learn. What she did know was that it was a complicated technique, and difficult for even the most proficient users to fully comprehend. Iris had promised to try to recall the lesser technique for her makeup trick, which was all that Biyu needed to know. Iris had yet to ask to see Biyu's face, despite their stated relationship. Biyu would not volunteer.

  Electing to play her part, which May had gone to pains to explain to Biyu, she lifted Iris's chin and kissed her. Iris's lips were warm and soft. The other woman hid her surprise at the sudden public kiss, their first. Purring in delight, Iris kissed back, her head tipping to deepen it. The man at the counter cleared his throat pointedly, and Biyu pulled back. She was satisfied her point was made. The warrior certainly stared in surprise before a companion clapped his shoulder to draw him back into line. She barely noticed, as she enjoyed the shy smile Iris flashed her. The smile reminded her of someone, and with the reminder came a familiar, almost forgotten warmth. Biyu felt a little oblivious as she realized that of course, the bashful side of Iris reminded her of Indu as she had been before City in the Sky.

  They had a long wait, and when the man was ready to see them the line was just as long as when they had joined it. The Treasure Hunters in this city did a lot of business.

  The man considered the three women, and gave a short bow. "Richie of the Treasure Hunters. How may I help you?"

  May spoke for them. "Lily May, in service to Biyu Kimmel Lostlakes Elderwoods Exile, part of Lady Chelsea's entourage."

  The man furrowed his brows. "A moment please." He pulled out a drawer and flipped through it looking for something. He pulled out a paper, and took his time to read and reread it. Giving a nod, he addressed them. "Lady Biyu, we have several items for you. First is a missive from Lord Jeffery Kimmel Lostlakes. Another from Defender Elderwoods. Lastly, a request that you make an appointment to speak with the Ministry of Imperial Affairs at your earliest convenience."

  Iris lifted the sleeves of her robe to hide her face as she listened. May looked surprised. "We'll take the missives to read later. We came here today to ask about a slave auction we were told was being held in a couple of days, and to ask for a list of rental properties for our companion to look over. It should be large enough for four Knights, their entourage, and a Reglad," May said.

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  The man gave them a nod, his brows raised at the last request. He left to swiftly make copies of the letters and to write out the information they had requested. He summarized the auction information as he gave them the papers. "Three days at noon in the merchant quarter market square. The one just out front. Twenty-two slaves. Special items include a Minotaur, one of the Elf Monsters, and a few followers of Elfé. No charge for the information or missives. The missives were paid for by the senders and widely distributed, so the information you requested will be considered covered."

  After they left, Iris took them to a secluded alcove to talk.

  "Lady Biyu, can you explain what is going on? It would help if I wasn't easily surprised in the future."

  "I do not know, Iris. Sir Stuart, I need to read some letters. Would you be so kind as to keep eavesdroppers back?"

  "You are asking me to give you privacy so you can read your letters without me knowing the contents?"

  "Yes."

  Sir Stuart took in a breath, and puffed it out. "You should trust us more, Lady Biyu. I will do as you ask."

  Biyu opened the missive from her cousin, Lord Jeffery, first. Reading it, she paused, then read it again. She blinked at the letter, and folded if, her lips turned down.

  "May, will you read this letter for me?" She handed the letter from Defender Elderwoods to her.

  Giving a nod, May took the letter and began reading it. Her face turned stormy, and then angry. Clutching the letter, she puffed out a breath. "The important part is that your brother is heading to West Pass to meet with you. He'll probably come here to Lonely Knoll." Glancing at Biyu, she said, "His name is Christopher."

  "I see," Biyu said, nodding. "Why is he coming here?"

  Iris, witnessing this conversation without the full context, looked back and forth, trying to piece the parts together, even though they were talking for her benefit.

  "He's coming to offer to swear himself into your service. He has a purse of money for you, and he 'hopes to make amends for the family's failures to you'."

  Biyu frowned. "I was informed I shall likely be named Defender Elderwoods," Biyu told May. "I will be granted custody of my family. Lord Jeffery says more, but we can talk about the details later." She glanced at Iris. "This is troublesome. I do not want Elderwoods."

  "I do not blame you, Master." Iris witnessed them doing the thing where they spoke through glances, and felt frustrated at being left out.

  Biyu turned to Iris. "I have many secrets. I will tell you that my family sacrificed me to a Sacred Beast. Now the Empire intends to strike them from my family register, leaving me the head of my family. Although, that has yet to be affirmed. I think they need me to formally recognize my new position, first. Hence, the need to go to the Ministry."

  Iris blinked. "That's rather drastic, Lady Biyu. What did they do to deserve that?"

  "Apparently someone reported suspicions that I, and others, were sacrificed to a Sacred Beast without a pact," Biyu said with a sigh.

  "… That sounds like something out of a story."

  "Yeah. Biyu's life is like a story," May said.

  Iris looked between them. "So, we will head back to your… hold?"

  Biyu shook her head. "I will try to find an alternative solution. Perhaps they will allow me to name an heir and abdicate."

  "Why, Lady Biyu?" Iris asked.

  Biyu did not reply, so May did in her stead. "Besides being fed to a snake, she lived almost her entire life in one room. The villagers either hated her or wished to molest her. Biyu wants to live a worthwhile life. Spending time ruling a hold of people who were nasty to her isn't all that worthwhile, ya know?"

  Iris nodded, and Biyu did not like the thoughtful look on her face.

  Conversation completed, they returned to the tour. Iris kept a pretty smile, and derided other women with her eyes and a smirk. In the southern stretch of the merchant quarter there was a library open to those with a writ. They also offered scribing services, including excerpts or whole books to those with the coin to pay the steep prices. Scribe services did not require a writ of entry. One did need to know what they wanted to have copied.

  The South Road square was the center of the noble block. The richest merchants, nobles, and clerks and scribes of the Ministries had residences and quarters here. This was also where Gunthar's temple was. This part of the tour was short, as the South Road square had few merchants. Those who lived here received representatives from merchant associations rather than go to them. The temple lands were open to the public, but it was getting too late to walk through the manicured gardens. All there was to see were beautiful murals depicting the feats of ancestors painted proudly on the gates and walls of the residences. There were people from all walks strolling through the quarter to look at the murals; a city pastime, Iris informed them. Patrolling guards took obvious interest in them, and they decided it was time to turn in for the evening.

  Returning to the merchant quarter, Iris led them to what looked like another residence with a north facing main house. The lady at the window in the wall smiled at them as Iris explained who they were. Sir Stuart haggled with the woman, and they were granted rooms in the western building, which they called the morning wing.

  It was a spacious room, with a folding screen that could partition the room in two. Each side had its own door to the courtyard veranda. Dinner would be soon, served along the north veranda. To save on room, stuffed mattresses were stored in small closets that could be laid out when it was time to sleep. There were pillows for sitting on the floor, and small tables placed to the side that could be sat out without chairs. There were windows in the inner and outer walls, with shutters to shut out the light and weather.

  While the building boasted its own small security force, May and Sir Stuart agreed on shifts. They split the room so that Iris and Biyu had a room of their own, while May and Sir Stuart would take shifts sleeping in the other room. The one on guard would take watch out on the veranda. Sir Stuart took the first shift while they went to have dinner, leaving the bulk of their weapons and packs behind.

  Dinner was luxurious, with a soup made with dried smoked fish and mushrooms, a piece of steak in sauce with onions, a salad of herbs with an infused oil dressing, and dumplings full of shredded pork and vegetables that could be put in the soup or eaten separately. Dinner went quickly, and Sir Stuart took his meal when they returned.

  For a while, they sat on the veranda enjoying the courtyard while twilight slid into evening. Iris sat at Biyu's side, both of them looking at a manicured garden with a small fruit tree. The tree was already turning to its fall colors. Musicians played a variety of songs, from bawdy tavern tunes to heroic ballads without the accompanying vocals. Most were familiar enough that she could have sung along if she wanted.

  Evening became night, and Iris and Biyu went to bed while May continued her watch. Biyu chose a simple gown, but made sure it was thinner and more showy than she usually favored. Iris wore just her undergarments, having nothing else to wear. Biyu laid out their mattresses next to each other.

  Watching her, Iris said softly, "We can keep the beds apart, Lady Biyu."

  "Biyu in private, Iris." She took a moment before asking, "Do you not want to?"

  Biting her lip, Iris said, "I don't want to be a nuisance, Biyu. I have nowhere else to go if you exile me from your household."

  Laying down on her mattress, Biyu patted the one beside her. Hesitantly, Iris took it, pulling the covers over her. The night was turning cool.

  "Why did you put yourself into my power?"

  Rolling onto her side so she could look at Biyu, she answered, "You know about my fiancé. After you rescued me… you're my hero. I've…" Her cheeks colored, her glamour relaxed to give her face a natural look. "I've always had a thing for stories about rescued damsels. Its foolish, and probably stupid, but I wanted to live that fantasy a little. Otherwise, everything is just too awful La—Biyu." She looked away. "It's selfish, but I'm… I've given up my whole life. My parents have to treat me like a stranger. I'm no longer eligible to marry into a good family. For all intents and purposes, I'm a commoner. The life I could have had is gone. So I fantasize about being the heroine of one of the stories I like. And, you're my hero."

  "Does it bother you that I'm a woman?" Biyu asked, shifting to force Iris to look into her eyes. Iris met them, though she blushed.

  "I thought it would, but no. It doesn't. I beg pardon, but you aren't very womanly. To be honest, it's more exciting than I thought it would be. Like, an extra dash of spice?" Iris took a deep breath. "Lady Biyu," at a shake of the head, she corrected, "Biyu. Why did you accept my selfish request? My problems have nothing to do with you."

  That took Biyu time to ruminate over. "We met with you under attack. You were going to be kidnapped, and the men you fought died to the last man to accomplish it, even when there was no chance of victory. I am not worldly, but I am not completely naive. We are not all free to do as we please, and sometimes we must do things we do not like. Still, I do not like the idea of you being forced to marry by kidnapping. We will eventually find you another home, but I do not mind having you with us until then."

  For a moment, Iris was surprised. The woman rarely spoke so much at once.

  Iris took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "Then, being your concubine is just an act? You do not wish to keep me?"

  "This is a difficult subject. Will you listen to me until the end?"

  With a nod, Iris shifted to sit and listen, and Biyu matched her.

  "I do not think I am capable of physical attraction. Not with men, nor with women." Iris wilted, but she waited as she promised. "I think I have found I am attracted certain personalities and expressions, and less intimate shows of affection. Our kiss earlier was my second. I liked it.

  "You also remind me of… someone who was dear to me. I think I could have had a relationship with her, except it would not have worked for reasons that I will not explain now. I am not certain, but I think maybe my love only goes as far as the emotion. Lust is beyond me."

  Biyu leaned over, and for a moment Iris thought they would kiss. They did not, but it was close. "However, while I do not like to be grabbed and fondled, I believe I can enjoy touching you. I think I would enjoy bringing you pleasure." As Biyu spoke, Iris colored. "I want to wait, to give it a little time. I want us to get to know each other, and see if we get along, before that. We should court. However, I want you to feel secure. I want you to know I am committed to your safety, if not our relationship. While I am at the Ministry, dealing with whatever they summoned me for, you will be registered as my concubine. You will be free to divorce me if you see fit, but I will offer you an Oath to Lord Family not to do the same for so long as you believe you need it."

  There was silence, and Iris could feel Biyu's breath on her lips. She licked her lip, and the tip touched Biyu's lips as well. Biyu did not flinch, waiting as she looked into her eyes. "Is that all, Biyu?"

  Giving her a nod, Biyu continued to wait.

  "Is it all right, for you to take me as a concubine?"

  "According to Lord Jeffery, I am likely to become Defender Elderwoods. As the presumptive head of a family with no elders, I believe I have control of all of my marital affairs, including my own marriage." She frowned. "Oh, if May wishes to marry, I'll have to approve it, won't I?"

  Don't worry, Biyu, I'm not getting married anytime soon. That's more of a noble problem anyway!

  Iris leaned in to kiss Biyu, and Biyu allowed it. She reached up to stroke the back of Iris's head. "Biyu, when will you be satisfied with a courtship? What do we need to do before we consummate our relationship?"

  Giving it some thought, Biyu said, "First, I want you to love me for myself. For that, I want you to help me with a technique to change my face. It would be nice to have a face I can show you. I will not show you my true face unless I must, but I want you to have a face you can see." Seeing Iris's unasked question, she said, "My face has caused me issues in the past. I do not want it to be part of our relationship. I will not blame you if you change your mind should you see it. I also want you to make the choice, in earnest, while knowing my secrets. Ones I dare not share with you yet. That is what I want. What do you want?"

  Iris thought about her answer. "I want to be intimate," she admitted. "While I'm still deluding myself with fantasies from my stories, I want to live them a bit. I don't think I'll regret it. I want to be your pretty bauble. Dressed in clothes you like on me. Painted the way you want. Touched, fondled, treasured, and boasted about. I want you to do with me what you want. I'm not sure that I mind you not wanting to be touched. It is a little exciting, in its own way, to know I'll be the center of attention, rather than your staff." Her cheeks colored as she spoke.

  Leaning back, Biyu considered it. "I do not think I am ready for that," she admitted. "The secrets I want to share before we go that far may be things that will make sweet memories bitter. I refuse to do that to you."

  "Life is full of mistakes," Iris said with a shrug. "My former fiancé is evidence of that. The more you say, the less I believe you mean me harm. If your secrets are so bad, then you have warned me. I think… I do not care."

  "Then, if that is truly what you want… do you want a ceremony?"

  Grinning, Iris told her, "When you have our relationship registered, and we have a proper residence, then taking me beyond the threshold shall be ceremony enough. That is the tradition, besides introducing me to the family."

  Putting an arm around Iris and drawing her close under the blankets, Biyu kissed her. "Tomorrow, when I buy you new clothes, it shall be my gift to you on our concubinage."

  "Shall I play the pampered pet still, Biyu?" Iris asked.

  Biyu gave a nod. "I think it fits the relationship we will have."

  Shifting, Iris blushed again, and offered another kiss.