The ship sliced through the water with a rhythmic *whoosh*, sending droplets scattering like a sudden downpour, glistening under the fading sunlight. The hull groaned softly, a sensual hum of wood and iron meeting the river's embrace.
At the bustling port of Sedona City, James's fleet had returned—a trio of sturdy medium-sized vessels, their holds brimming with succulent mutton and a hundred powerful draft horses. At the bow of the lead ship, James stood tall, his weathered hands gripping the railing as he barked orders to guide the ships to dock. Beside him stood Camilla, the spirited daughter of Martin, lord of Riverden City. Her wide, curious eyes drank in the sights, her journey to Sedona City a chance to learn and grow under the city's vibrant influence.
"Is that the port of Sedona City ahead, Mr. James?" Camilla asked, her voice tinged with awe, her breath catching as she leaned forward, the salty breeze teasing her chestnut hair.
"Indeed, it is," James replied with a firm nod, his deep voice carrying the weight of pride.
"It's breathtaking," Camilla murmured, her lips parting in wonder. Her mind drifted to the sorry excuse for a port in Riverden City—a muddy, ramshackle bank without so much as a wooden dock. The port of Sedona City was a marvel, its smooth surfaces reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun, a testament to human ingenuity and ambition. She felt a flutter in her chest, a mix of admiration and a strange, unspoken longing for the sophistication she'd never known back home.
James allowed himself a faint smile, his rugged features softening. He'd seen this reaction countless times—every soul who sailed the Whispering River to Sedona City marveled at the docks. Rumor had it the lord planned to divide the port into separate sections for cargo and civilian use, a vision that stirred even James's stoic heart with anticipation.
Under the skilled hands of the crew, the ship glided smoothly to the dock, the anchor dropping with a satisfying *thunk* into the depths. James gestured for Camilla to follow as he disembarked, leaving the mutton to be collected by the logistics team. The air was thick with the scent of saltwater and freshly cut timber, and Camilla's senses were alight with the pulse of the port.
"Phew…" Camilla exhaled, her breath forming a faint mist in the cool evening air. Her gaze swept across the bustling port, where workers moved with purpose, their muscles straining under the weight of crates and beams. In the distance, towering stacks of timber hinted at some grand construction, the wood's earthy aroma mingling with the tang of the river. Her heart raced, a primal thrill coursing through her at the sheer vitality of the scene.
"Miss Camilla, let's go. I'll take you to meet the lord," James called, waving over a sleek reception carriage that rolled up with a soft clatter.
The carriage, a creation of the city lord's mansion, was reserved for esteemed guests. As the daughter of Riverden City's lord and heir to its leadership, Camilla's status as a dignitary was undeniable, especially given the budding alliance between their cities. She felt a flush of pride—and a hint of nervous excitement—as she stepped toward the carriage, her skirts swaying with each step.
"Alright," She said, climbing aboard. Her eyes widened at the carriage's interior, a small sanctuary of elegance. A polished wooden table sat at the center, adorned with several intricately carved boxes that piqued her curiosity. The cushions beneath her were plush, their softness a stark contrast to the rough benches of Riverden's carts. She ran her fingers over the fabric, a shiver of delight racing up her spine at the unexpected luxury.
"Miss Camilla, feel free to enjoy the snacks and drinks in the carriage," James's voice called from outside as the horses began to move, the carriage swaying gently with a rhythm.
"Snacks?" Camilla's brown eyes sparkled with intrigue. She leaned forward, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened the first box. Inside lay an assortment of golden, crisp treats, their wheaty aroma filling the air. She picked one up, her senses tingling as she brought it to her nose, inhaling deeply.
*Crunch.*
"Oh!" She gasped, her voice a soft moan of pleasure. The treat was delightfully crisp, its rich, buttery flavor bursting across her tongue. Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment, savoring the sensation, a warmth spreading through her chest. It was unlike anything she'd tasted in Riverden, where meals were simple and survival-driven.
Her curiosity ignited, Camilla reached for another box, her fingers brushing the smooth wood. This one revealed three slender wooden sticks, each tipped with a round, grayish ball wrapped in delicate paper. She tilted her head, puzzled, and brought one to her nose. A faint, sweet fragrance teased her senses, stirring a flicker of excitement deep within her.
"What are these?" She whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the carriage's gentle creak. She peeled away the paper, revealing the smooth, hard surface of the ball. Hesitant but intrigued, she popped it into her mouth. The sweetness exploded across her palate, rich and indulgent, sending a shiver down her spine. "So sweet," She murmured, her eyes widening in delight, her body tingling with the unexpected pleasure.
Lost in the treasure trove of the boxes, Camilla felt like an explorer uncovering forbidden delights. Each new discovery sent a thrill through her, her senses alive with anticipation. She barely noticed the passage of time until James's voice broke through her reverie.
"Miss Camilla, we've arrived at the castle," He called.
"What? Already?" Camilla blinked, startled, her heart skipping a beat. She'd been so enraptured by the treats that the journey had slipped by unnoticed. "I'm coming!" She called back, hurriedly gathering herself, her cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and embarrassment.
"Miss Camilla, this way," James said calmly, leading her toward the castle's inner courtyard. His steady presence grounded her, though her heart raced with anticipation. At this hour, the lord was likely in his study, a thought that sent a flutter of nervous energy through her.
"Alright," She replied, hurrying to keep pace, her footsteps echoing on the polished stone floor.
As they walked through the castle, Camilla's senses were overwhelmed. Servants moved with graceful efficiency, their uniforms crisp and their manners impeccable. She caught sight of beastkin maids—fox-eared and cat-tailed—laughing alongside human maids, a sight so foreign it sent a thrill of wonder through her. In Riverden, such diversity was unimaginable; the city was too remote, too stagnant, to attract beastkin. The sight stirred something deep within her, a longing for connection in this vibrant, unfamiliar world.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
James's firm raps on the study door snapped Camilla from her thoughts. She smoothed her dress, her pulse quickening, a mix of nerves and excitement tightening her chest.
"Come in," Came a calm, authoritative voice from within.
The door creaked open, and Camilla followed James inside, her heart pounding. The study was a haven of intellect and power, its shelves lined with leather-bound tomes and the air heavy with the scent of ink and parchment.
"My lord," James said with a respectful bow.
"Camilla, daughter of Riverden's city lord, greets Lord Lucas," Camilla said, curtsying gracefully, her skirts brushing the floor. Her voice trembled slightly, betraying the heat rising in her cheeks.
"You've returned. Well done," Lucas said, setting down his quill with a deliberate grace that made Camilla's breath catch. His voice was warm yet commanding, his presence filling the room. "Welcome to Sedona City, Miss Camilla."
"It's my honor to be here," Camilla replied, her tone polite but tinged with awe. She stole glances around the room, her eyes lingering on Mina, who lounged casually on Lucas's desk. Nicole, standing nearby, offered Camilla a warm smile, which she returned, her heart easing slightly. A young girl with fox ears watched her curiously, and Camilla nodded politely, her pulse quickening at the exotic sight.
Lucas nodded, his gaze shifting to James. "How did the mission go?"
"The beastkin tribes are open to trade with us," James reported promptly, his voice steady.
"Excellent," Lucas said, a satisfied glint in his eyes. "As expected."
"The mutton has been delivered as well," James added, recounting the journey to the beastkin tribes in vivid detail.
"Oh? The tribe's leader is a woman?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "And you didn't see her or learn her name?"
"No, my lord," James replied, a hint of excitement in his tone. "But she's willing to meet with you to discuss further."
"In Riverden City?" Lucas asked, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Yes, my lord. She asked us to choose a date," James said respectfully.
"Interesting," Lucas mused, leaning back in his chair. He opened a leather-bound notebook, his fingers tracing the pages with a deliberate slowness that Camilla found oddly captivating. After a moment, he spoke. "James, take a few days to rest, then head back to the beastkin tribes. Purchase five hundred draft horses and tell their leader she can set the meeting date. Consider it a gesture of our goodwill."
Spring was approaching, and Sedona City would soon buzz with construction. Draft horses, the backbone of transport, were essential, and Lucas's foresight sent a ripple of admiration through Camilla.
"Yes, my lord," James replied with a bow, his loyalty unwavering.
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