"And I don't mean in that way, Richard. There's a signifigant difference between a noblewoman and the whores whom you and your brother perused just a few years back. Remember that. Now, was there anything else to discuss? If not, I bid my leave of you mi'lord."
If Richard was offended by the Duc's tone, he did not show it. Instead, he smiled.
"What? I did not insinuate anything, Blauritter. You can leave, I have nothing else to discuss with you."At some point in the time period, after the meeting with the BlauritterAfter nearly three months in Stormstead, Richard decided it was time to return to Altaregia, the city he was responsible of. He invited lady Tiana to come with him - he thought it would be good for her to visit her potential future home.
Altaregia was an old city, the capital of the southern kings before the War of the Hounds. Although it was far less populous than Stormstead, a certain degree of wealth was apparent when one visited it. It was the center of slave trade in the kingdom - the Main Street, also called Auction Street, could be visited by thousands of potential buyers every day, and traders came from around the world to sell them here.
As such, the city's population was quite unbalanced; there were nearly two slaves for every citizen. Most of them worked the land or the fishing boats, but many were also employed in the brothels of the docks or as bodyguards and servants for the city's artisans or merchants. To balance that fact, Altaregia had a long tradition of treating its slaves well, as to avoid uprisings.
The city's palace reflected its personality; old, proud, and mainly inhabited by slaves, instead of servants. Mostly women, too, although that was a recent change. It was built out of marble, and although it was not as big as the King's palace or as well defended as a true castle, it was beautiful, and the pride of the Duc.
Richard travels to Altaregia, bringing the Countess with him.
Once there, he opens his court to visitors.