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“Yes, and I think you’ll find that it’s more fun than you think.” The Queen Mother looked at me, her expression serious. “You played the game you did on purpose. I can tell. As an outsider, you didn’t fully understand all the consequences of not engaging, but you did it anyway. And that tells me a lot about your character.”
That I took risks? That I was headstrong?
“It tells me you’re brave.” She squeezed my hand. “And that’s what we need right now.”
“I did it on purpose, as I saw no way to win. I didn’t want to be used.” My hands were on my lap. “I wanted to show them I was not weak and that their games meant nothing to me.”
“Good.” The Queen Mother nodded in approval. “Now we just need to find a way for you to stay in power. Keep coming to events and sessions like these. Observe and analyze. You reminded the Eternal Court that you are Midarian and that humans are more than just tools to be used. Show them you are the future. Use it to your advantage.”
I blinked, not expecting that. “Thank you, grandma.”
“You’re welcome.” She stood up, and I followed her lead. “I know it’s difficult. But you’re strong. You’ll figure it out. You are coal while Maedras is a diamond. But coal can be just as hard and just as valuable.”
And diamonds were just pretty rocks. They had no value other than what others will pay for them.
“I’ll remember that,” I said as we walked.
“You have fire in you and know the common people in a way Maedras will never understand. My grandson is valuable in his way.”
Her eyes lingered on me, and I grinned. That woman was sharp.
“However, he’s privileged and looks at the world through gilded eyes. You have the potential to be an influential leader if you can learn to see things the way they are.”
“And that was your role with Good King Finardel.” I narrowed my eyes in thought. “To remind him of the plights of the people.”
She inclined her head. “I helped him rule with a firm but kind hand. The Eternal Court and House Finardsil need to be reminded that not everyone has the same advantages. I was the one challenging him. And I hope you will do the same to Maedras.”
I doubted it. Tensions were running high as it was. His affinity for playing games with me was a source of irritation, but I didn’t dare push too hard lest I annoyed him into making a move I couldn’t defend against.
“I’ll try,” I promised. “But I need your help. I wish to learn from your experience.”
“Of course.” The Queen Mother smiled. “I would be happy to teach you whatever I can. But you have to promise me one thing.”
“Anything.”
“Don’t become what Maedras wants you to be. Become the crown princess you want to be. Seek your own counsel and make your own decisions. That’s the only way you’ll survive in this court. That’s the only way you can keep on challenging him.”
Prince Maedras needed to be put in his place. But I couldn’t do it alone. I would need to find my way if I wanted to succeed. It would be a delicate balance, but I was ready for the challenge.
After all, didn’t everyone love a good game? And I intended to win.
“Thank you for your help, grandma. I’ll remember what you said and use it to my advantage.”
I have no choice unless I want to do his bidding. I would make my own decisions. Even if it meant going against him. I would bend when I needed, but be unbreakable in my core. Midar couldn’t fall.
The Queen Mother sighed. “Good. Lord Aldaren couldn’t perform that role for my daughter. His upbringing was too different. And look how that turned out. I’m glad lady Kanna couldn’t ruin Maedras the same way.”
My body stilled. “What do you mean?”
“My grandson respects you. Lady Kanna always needed guidance. She’s kind, but she’s also naïve and easily manipulated. With you, he doesn’t have to. You are strong enough to stand on your own.”
Just like Souhir.
Prince Maedras always seemed like he was trying to manipulate me. But maybe that was just his way of interacting with people. It was a sad way to live, but at least I could see him for what he was. His environment shaped him just as much as mine had shaped me.
The Queen Mother was right. I couldn’t let Maedras turn me into a copy of himself. That would be the ultimate victory for him. I had to stay true to myself if I wanted any chance of winning this game.
I pursed my lips. “The Elves don’t want an outsider in House Finardsil.”
