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“I think he’s a good man.” I lifted my chin. “And I’m glad we’re friends.”
I wouldn’t deny my friendship with Emre, not even for the Queen Mother. It would be childish and petty. My reputation was already in tatters. I didn’t need to make it worse.
The Queen Mother’s lips smiled. A genuine smile, not the one she used for the public. “I’m glad to hear that. I think it’s important to have friends in high places.”
Her eyes flickered to the crowd below us, and I knew she was thinking about the courtiers who were whispering about me. Her political acumen was as sharp as I remembered. I admired that about her, even if I didn’t always agree with her methods. She turned a disadvantaged situation into an advantage. I should take a page out of her book.
“I agree,” I said, as I valued her show of support for me. “It’s always good to have friends.”
The Queen Mother’s smile widened. “Indeed, it is.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.” Emre’s voice was neutral. “It’s always good to have friends in high places.”
The Queen Mother nodded and then turned to look at the crowd. “It seems my guests are getting restless,” she said. “I should mingle.”
Emre bowed, and I inclined my head in respect.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, son of Berat,” she said.
Emre placed his hand on his chest and bowed again. “The pleasure was all mine, Your Majesty.”
She turned to me and inclined her head. “Princess Thimsal.”
“Grandmother.”
She raised an eyebrow but said nothing as she turned and left the balcony.
As soon as she was gone, Emre exhaled sharply and turned to me. “I have to leave,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I nodded, my heart sinking. “I understand.”
“I’ll come to see you soon,” he promised. “And I’ll bring you some of that coffee you like so much.”
“I’d like that,” I smiled at him. “When will I see you again?”
His expression turned serious. “Haven’t you heard? They have invited us to visit the Aeglire in four months to discuss the Qarath situation. They truly keep you in the dark, don’t they?”
Harsh words, but not entirely inaccurate. I was always the last to know things.
“I’ve not looked into the matter,” I said, feeling a little hurt that he knew and I didn’t. But then again, Emre was always one step ahead of me. And this explained why. His political connections.
He gave me a small smile, but his eyes were full of apology. “I’m sorry. I thought you knew.”
“No, it’s okay.” I shook my head. “My duties have been keeping me busy. I haven’t had time to look into it.”
“I understand,” he said. “But in four months, we’ll be able to talk again.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it,” I said.
“Goodbye, Thimsal.”
Darith huffed next to me.
“Goodbye, Emre,” I said, watching as he turned and walked away.
As soon as he was gone, I turned to Darith. I placed my hands on the railing, my fingers gripping it tightly.
“What did you think?” I asked, not taking my eyes off the crowd below.
