The deeper they ventured into the capital, the broader the streets became. Elegant stone buildings gave way to a lively commercial district where colorful banners fluttered gently overhead, connecting one side of the avenue to the other, and vendors displayed fabrics imported from distant kingdoms, handcrafted pottery, jewelry, spices, books, and all manner of goods that had begun flowing back into Lioreth now that the roads had become safe once again.
Liora's eyes wandered curiously from one stall to another. "So much has changed."
"It has."
"And people already trust you enough to trade again?"
"They trust stability," Thessian answered. "Trade follows peace. Merchants rarely care who sits upon the throne as long as roads remain safe and laws remain fair."
She nodded thoughtfully. "I never learned any of this."
