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Prince Maedras laughed. A delighted smile spread across his face. “You want to send spies?”
“Diplomatic envoys or traders would be the proper term.” Lieutenant General Marsken interjected. “But, yes. I think that is an excellent idea.”
Amusement danced in Prince Maedras’ eyes. “I like it.”
“We will never get approval from the Mentom,” Bers said.
“I will speak to them,” Prince Maedras replied. “And I will make sure they approve it.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” I said, relieved that he was taking my suggestion seriously.
“Don’t thank me yet,” Prince Maedras replied. “We have a lot of work to do.”
The council members discussed my proposal, their voices low and serious. I sat back in my chair, feeling drained but hopeful. We might just win this war after all.
“Are you planning to visit the affected regions, Prince Maedras?” I asked.
“I wasn’t planning on it,” Prince Maedras replied. “But perhaps it would be a good idea. Lady Cersen, what do you think?”
“I think it would be wise, Your Highness,” she said. “The people need to see that you are doing everything you can to protect them.”
“Very well,” the prince said. “I will make plans to visit the border villages.”
“I would like to accompany you, if I may,” I said.
“Of course, Princess,” the prince replied. “I would be honored to have you by my side. We shall visit after the wedding.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
∞∞∞
The carriage bumbled to a stop in front of the imposing manor. Made of white stone with delicate carvings all along the edges, it towered over the small hill they built it on. A wrought-iron gate, also white, kept any unwanted guests from just strolling in.
I stared at it for a few heartbeats before the door opened, and Darith helped me out. Her eyes were kind as she looked at me and offered a comforting smile. “Remember, when they offer you red or blue lace, you take the blue. It means that you align with House Finardsil and that you are willing to be a part of their family.”
The different colors of lace meant different things, and I did not know what most of them meant. Blue was a good choice. “I’ll remember. What if I chose the yellow lace instead?” I asked curiously.
“It would signify that you are not interested in the marriage at all and that you want to back out.”
Imagining the reaction of the family if I chose that, I laughed. “I’ll avoid the yellow then.”
Darith’s face softened. “I know this is a lot to take in, Thimsal. But you’re strong. You can do this.”
My dress rustled as I turned to face the manor again. “And the beads?”
“The beading is just for show. You can choose whatever you want. But the symbolism is very important.”
“Flowers of each settlement,” I murmured, recalling what we had agreed upon. “To show that I accept all of them.”
That was important, too. I was marrying the crown prince of Manzimor, which meant that I would be the Princess of all four Elvish regions. But also the Naga, Halfling, Dryad, and Midarian enclaves.
“But to honor my heritage, I will ask for traditional henna patterns on my sleeves and train.”
“You’ve been paying attention.” Darith nodded approvingly. “It will show that you respect the Elvish ways, but will not forget your own.”
The dress was a political statement, as much as it was a wedding dress. It would be beautiful, of course. But every inch had a meaning. The symbolism would hopefully help ease the tension between the regions. But that would also signal to Midar that I hadn’t forgotten my roots.
I turned to Darith. The gemstones in her hair glittered in the sunlight. “Thank you, Darith,” I said earnestly. “For everything.”
