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“He’s the ambassador’s brother and he just publicly declared his friendship with you.”
I leaned backward, tilting my head to look at her. “Is that a bad thing?”
“The big deal is that the Queen Mother just saw him do it.” Darith placed her hands on her lap. “But the implications are interesting.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Well, it’s obvious that he cares for you,” she said. “But he’s also the ambassador’s brother. So, it’s a political move.”
With my right hand, I drew a rune on the wall. It was a simple ward to keep people from eavesdropping on our conversation. Blue light flared and then died away, leaving the balcony empty of sound except for the rustle of the wind and the distant sounds of the party.
“You think he’s using me?” I asked, not sure if I was hurt or angry.
“I think his sister is using his connections to get close to you,” she said. “Whether or not he realizes it.”
I sighed and leaned against the railing again. I stared out at the crowd, but I didn’t see them. I was lost in my thoughts.
“What do you think I should do?” I asked Darith.
She was quiet for a long moment. “I think you should be careful,” she said finally. “I don’t think he’s using you, but his sister is. But that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the friendship.”
“I see,” I said, nodding. I appreciated her honesty. It was something I needed right now.
“Just be careful, Thimsal,” she said. “You’re walking a fine line.”
I nodded and turned back to the party. The Dryads emerged from the tree, their faces covered in leaves and twigs. They circled the stage, their voices raised in song. The courtiers stopped what they were doing and watched, entranced by their performance.
With my right hand, I stopped the ward and the noise of the party swelled around me once more.
From the bag, I grabbed the letter from my father that Emre had brought me and opened it with trembling hands.
My dearest Thimsal,
I hope this message finds you well.
Don’t be scared. I will be with you in spirit every step of the way. You are strong and capable of anything. I have always been proud of you, my child. Now is your time to shine. Show them what our family is made of and make us all proud.
Be brave, be strong, and above all else, be yourself.
If your husband dares to mistreat you, you have my permission to put him in his place. You are a princess, and you deserve to be treated like one. And if you can’t, I will make sure he regrets it.
Your brothers and I will always be there for you, no matter what.
I love you, my child. Be safe and come back to us soon. You are not alone in this. We all love you very much.
Your ever-loving father,
Adil
His words brought tears to my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away before anyone could see them.
I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders. It was time to face the party. A royal princess does not wallow in self-pity.
Chapter 19
Coal and Diamonds
From the seats of our carriage, we saw the Mentom in the distance. All political power and control resided in the hands of this institute. The very thought of any other person or institution having that level of power was unthinkable. That would be to challenge the hegemony enjoyed by the Aeglire and the Guilds.
