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“I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“You would be fine,” I said, trying to sound confident. “You’re a strong woman.”
A weak smile appeared on her face. “Yet somehow you ended up saving me.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
Her smile faltered, and she looked away from me, her eyes filling with tears. “I don’t deserve a friend like you,” she whispered. “I’m sorry. Maedras and you fought because of me.”
“It’s not your fault.” I reached out to touch her arm. “He was just worried about you.”
She nodded, but she still looked shaken. “I’ll talk to him,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Make him see sense.”
I took in a sharp breath. “You’re not at fault for this argument. It was well on the way to happening without you.”
My failings were the root of this issue. But I didn’t want to explain that to her.
“I’ll try to make him see reason,” she said, her voice firmer now. “Thank you for your help.”
“Don’t thank me.” I closed my eyes for a moment. “I did nothing.”
She smiled and reached out to touch my cheek. “You did more than you know. Thank you.”
She turned and walked away, leaving me standing there alone. I let out a shaky breath and leaned against the wall, my heart heavy in my chest. I failed myself. I failed Midar. And I didn’t know how to fix it.
Was there anyone I could trust here? To tell me the truth? To help me make the right decisions?
I was alone. So alone.
Why didn’t anyone tell me?
∞∞∞
Bread Day was next week, and I was trying to prepare the last details. Somehow, amid all my preparations, I had to make things right. Prince Maedras’ words haunted me.‘You’re not the only one who cares about this kingdom. Remember that.’
Did he think I didn’t care? Or was he just trying to goad me into action? I didn’t know. But either way, I had to show him this wasn’t the case. Midar depended on me.
Darith stared at me across the table, her eyes full of concern. But I ignored her as I looked through the reports in front of me, my mind racing. The number of traders requesting entrance to the various portal sites tripled in the past week. So now I needed to figure out a way to fit them all in without disrupting the flow of traffic. And I had to accommodate the increased security measures that were being put in place. It was a daunting task, made even more difficult by my uncertainty.
The door opened, and I looked up, surprised to see Prince Aldaren standing at the opening of my office. His gaze lingered on the silk calligraphy pieces, geometric abstracts, and landscapes that adorned the walls for a moment before he turned to me. I brought together pieces from all over Manzimor in one room. I wondered what he saw.
“Princess Thimsal,” he greeted me, his voice full of warmth. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“No, Your Majesty.” I stood up and bowed my head. “What can I do for you?”
“Can’t I talk to my daughter without a reason?” he asked, teasing.
I smiled and gestured for him to sit down. “Of course,” I said. “Please, have a seat.”
He sat down across from me and studied my face for a moment. “Are these the latest plans?” His gaze lingered on the reports in front of me.
“Yes,” I said, feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny as I sat down. “I’m just trying to figure out how to make everything fit.”
“I’ve seen the preparations.” He placed his hands on the table. “It’s all coming together nicely.”
“Thank you.” I felt relieved that he approved, but I wondered why he was here. Did Prince Maedras send him? “I just hope everything goes smoothly.”
“I’m sure it will.” He placed a fist on the table, his voice full of confidence. “You’ve done a great job so far.”
