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I nodded my head in agreement. “It doesn’t seem right.”
The woman nodded, looking relieved that someone else felt the same way. “Thank you for understanding. I hope your family comes home safe.”
“May your family come home safe as well.”
We looked at each other for a moment, both lost in our thoughts. There was so much unsaid between us, but we didn’t need to say it. We both knew what the other was thinking. Our thoughts were the same. The same worry, the same fear, the same hope.
Then she turned away and continued her work, and I left the stall.
It hit me like a brick. How could we call ourselves a community when we don’t facilitate social connections or help our own? Bread Day was a great example of this, but I hadn’t lifted a finger with the Eternal Court. I was too busy with other things, things that seemed more important. But now, seeing this woman and her stall, I realized I had been wrong.
How could I understand the Eternal Court and its members if I never was there myself? I had to help, not just with money or projects, but with my time. I had to get to know them, to understand their needs and desires. Only then could I hope to understand the court and its ways.
How else would I learn what was important to them? What they valued and needed?
Prince Maedras told me this. But his words only now truly sunk in. Only that would help me find out what was going on in Manzimor and the Eternal Court.
Midar depended on me. Secrets or no secrets, I had to find out what was going on.
∞∞∞
The servants transformed the gardens since the last time I’d seen them. Instead of the neat, well-manicured rows of flowers and plants, they were turned into dancefloors, filled with couples spinning and twirling to the music. The air was thick with laughter and the sound of glasses clinking.
I made my way through the crowd, nodding and smiling at people as I went. Light from the lanterns strung up in the trees cast a warm, inviting glow over everything. My mood lightened as I took in the scene before me.
Tables were set up around the edge of the dancefloor, and I saw that many of them were already occupied. Gilded chairs had been pulled up to them, and people were sitting in small groups, chatting and sipping wine. They were dressed in shades of gold and blue, the colors of House Finardsil. My lilac dress stood out in stark contrast.
The music swelled and a group of men and women nearby sang along, their voices carrying over the sound of the instruments. The song was one I didn’t know, but it had a lively tune that made me want to tap my feet along with it.
The courtiers were in good spirits, as were the servants, their cheeks flushed with excitement.
At the center of the garden, the servants had placed an enormous table. Crystal glasses, shining silverware, and platters of food covered its surface. I saw roast meats, vegetables, fruits, and pastries. The Queen and her family were seated near it. They were laughing and joking with each other, their faces alight with happiness.
As I approached, the Queen spotted me and beckoned me over. “Ah, Thimsal!” she said, her face lighting up in a smile. “I’m so glad you could join us.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I bowed my head in respect. “I apologize for my late arrival. I wanted to make sure there were no problems I needed to solve.”
A server offered me a glass of water, and I took it with a word of thanks.
Her eyes twinkled. “This is your day. It’s important to ensure that the last details are perfect.”
“I did my best,” I said modestly.
“I’m sure you did.” The Queen clasped her hands. “Well, you’re here now. And that’s all that matters.”
She patted the seat next to Prince Maedras, who observed me with a bemused expression. He probably didn’t expect me to join them tonight. He thought wrong.
“Join us, won’t you Thimsal?” The Queen smiled brightly at me. “We were just discussing the upcoming ball.”
“Yes, join us,” Prince Maedras said, his voice laced with amusement. “We would love to hear your opinion.”
Prince Aldaren nodded his head in greeting.
I took a seat next to him, my heart pounding in my chest. I hadn’t seen him since our argument, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But he smiled at me, his eyes filled with warmth, and my anxiety dissipated. If he could fake cordiality, so could I.
“So.” He leaned back in his chair and regarded me with a lazy smile. “How is the festival in the city?”
“The city is in a good mood.” I took a sip from my glass to calm myself down. “The market stalls are doing well and the people seem to enjoy themselves.”
