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My cheeks flushed. “I couldn’t have done it without help.”
He chuckled. “You would have found a way. You’re very resourceful.”
I shook my head. “I appreciate the vote of confidence. But I think we both know that’s not true.”
“You underestimate yourself,” he said, his voice serious now. “You have more strength than you realize.”
I looked down, not sure how to respond. His words filled me with both doubt and hope. Was he right? Did I have what it takes? Or was he just being kind?
“That’s kind of you to say.”
“You look so suspiciously thoughtful.” He observed. “What’s going on in that head of yours? Or did you think I was here because of my son?”
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure.” I leaned back as he turned his piercing blue eyes on me. “I figured it was a possibility.”
His expression turned thoughtful. “Well, you’re partially right. I am here because of him. But not for the reasons you think.”
My brow furrowed in confusion, and he sighed.
“Your relationship is your own business,” he said. “Your relationship might be unusual, but you will make it work. I have faith in both of you. I’m here because, during my very first project, someone believed in me. She saw something in me I didn’t see in myself. I want to do the same for you. Let me be your gold.”
His words surprised me. I hadn’t spoken to him since my first night here. I hadn’t realized he had been paying attention to me.
“That means a lot to me.” I smiled, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
His eyes twinkled. “Good.”
“Can I ask who that person was?”
The Queen Mother seemed like the sort.
“Queen Laylath,” he confirmed my thoughts, his expression softening. “She was the one who first showed me I had what it takes to be a good leader.”
“That’s quite an endorsement.”
“Yes, it is,” he agreed. “But she wasn’t the only one. I had others who believed in me as well. And because of that, I became the Elf you see standing in front of you.”
“And you think I can do the same?” I asked, still not sure if I believed it.
“I know you can. You will make this work. Sometimes you’ll struggle, but you will always stand back up and keep going. That’s what being royalty is about. That’s what makes you different from everyone else. You have no choice.” He leaned forward and took my hand, his eyes full of sincerity. “I believe in you,” he said. “And I know you can do this. Finish this project with no doubts in your mind. You’re going to be great. Prove everyone who ever doubted you wrong.”
My throat tightened, and I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. His words meant more to me than he could ever know.
Chapter 17
Bread day
Laughter and light chatter filled the air as market-goers moved about, browsing the wares of various vendors. Brightly colored tents and stalls lined the otherwise empty streets, providing a splash of color in an otherwise perfect, white city.
Dressed in a simple white kaftan, I didn’t stand out from the crowd. I walked among them, taking in the sights and sounds of the market. The smell of spices and sweets filled the air, making my stomach growl.
In one particular stall, a young Dryad was selling bundles of lavender and other herbs. Nearby, an older Naga was hawking handmade jewelry and intricate trinkets. Further down, a group of Halflings argued over the price of a rug with a Midarian vendor who looked bemused by the entire ordeal.
Proud, I glanced over the stalls and people, a satisfied smile on my face. It was good to see the Aeglire so lively.
In the center of the market, I spotted a large fountain that hadn’t been there a week ago. It was made of white marble and adorned with various symbols of the elements. Water sprayed from the mouths of stone dragons, filling the basin below. Guild members opened tents around the fountain, providing a place for people to rest and drink.
Halfling, Naga, and Midarian children played with a ball and the crowd watched them with fond smiles. They forgot their work for the moment. An Elvish mother approached them with her young child in tow, looking to join in on the fun.
