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He walked towards me deliberately and I tensed, but he just stopped before me.
He frowned. “You’re not thinking about the people. The Eternal Court is the only thing that can keep Manzimor safe and you neglect it. You’re so wrapped up in your world that you don’t see it.”
I was about to reply, but he held up his hand, silencing me. “I’m not saying that what you’re doing is wrong,” he whispered. “But you need to understand other things are going on in this kingdom besides your work. House Finardsil has always been a proud and loyal house, but we can’t do it alone. We need the support of the people.”
The Eternal Court was not Manzimor. The fact he couldn’t see that hurt more than anything. I turned away from him, not wanting to look at him anymore. “You’re wrong,” I said again, my voice barely above a whisper. “I care about Manzimor. I care about it more than anything.”
“I think you care about them in your own way,” he said, his voice gruff. “But to be royal is to compromise. To sacrifice for the good of the kingdom. And right now, you’re not.”
I swallowed hard and looked away from him, my vision blurring with unshed tears. I sacrificed for the kingdom every day, but apparently, it wasn’t enough.
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “The other houses are talking. They’re saying that House Finardsil is losing its grip on power. That our newest member is weak and unwilling to make the sacrifices needed.”
Politics. It was always politics with the Elves. I clenched my fists and anger and frustration welled up inside of me. “And what do you think?” I asked him, my voice trembling.
“I think they’re right,” he said bluntly. “You’re not doing anything to prove them wrong.”
I flinched as if he struck me. “That’s not true,” I said, my voice breaking. “I would do anything for Manzimor.”
“Then prove it,” he said, his voice gentler now. “Prove to me and to the others that you’re willing to make sacrifices. Otherwise, I’m afraid House Finardsil will fall. Start paying attention to the Eternal Court. You need to show the people that you care about them. Otherwise, they’re going to doubt you. They already are.”
He already did. That’s what he meant.
The strength of Manzimor was not the Eternal Court. Manzimor would succeed without the need of the Elves. Why didn’t he understand that? Manzimor existed before the Elves arrived on these shores, and it would continue to exist after they left.
“I’m sorry.” I shook my head. “But you’re wrong. Manzimor doesn’t need the Eternal Court. It never has and it never will.”
He was silent for a long moment, and then he nodded slowly. “Short-sighted,” he drawled. “But maybe you’re right. Maybe Manzimor doesn’t need the Eternal Court. But the people do. And right now, they need you.”
I threw my hands up in frustration. “What do you want from me? I don’t know what else to do!”
His face turned blank, but his eyes were hard. “I want you to be the crown princess that Manzimor needs,” he said, his voice cold. “Right now, you’re not.”
Fury boiled up inside of me and I took a step towards him, my hands clenched into fists. “How dare you,” I hissed. “You have no right to judge me. You know nothing about me.”
He didn’t flinch away from my anger and his face remained impassive. “I know that you’re not doing anything to help this kingdom. And unless you start, Manzimor is going to fall.”
“What’s going on?”
We turned and saw lady Kanna standing in the doorway, her brow furrowed in confusion.
“I was just leaving,” Prince Maedras said, his voice cool. He inclined his head towards me and then turned and left the room.
Lady Kanna watched him go and then turned to me, her eyes full of concern. “What was that about?”
I shook my head and swallowed hard, fighting back my tears. “I found your coat. Bancos stole it.”
Her eyes gleamed with amusement. “Of course she did,” she said, her voice full of fondness. “That girl is trouble.”
I smiled weakly and handed her the coat. “Here you go,” I said. “I’m sorry it got stolen.”
“Oh, don’t be.” She clutched it, her knuckles turning white. “It’s not your fault. Bancos is just like a mischievous little otter. Her games might annoy people, but they’re all in good fun.”
“I guess,” I said, still feeling shaken from my encounter with Prince Maedras.
“Are you alright?” she asked, as she slowly approached me. “You seem upset.”
I shook my head and tried to smile. “I’m fine.”
