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“I’m not talented,” I admitted, a feeling of inadequacy welling up inside me.
The Caid and the ambassador looked at each other again and this time it was the Caid who spoke. “You have a unique skill set. You’re human.”
I frowned, not understanding what he meant by that.
“Humans are not bound by the same rules as Elves. We are not as restricted. You can use that to your advantage.”
I leaned backward. “How?”
“You’re more flexible. You can think outside the box, and you’re not afraid to take risks. These are all qualities that Elvish society values. If you can use your humanness to your advantage, you will be successful.”
“And if I can’t?”
The Caid leaned forward, and he placed his fist over his heart. “Then you will have to find another way. But I believe in you, Thimsal. You’re a survivor. You will succeed. Make sure not to stand out in the Eternal Court and win the affections of the common people. A war can’t be fought without the approval of its soldiers and people.”
Ambassador Bennani nodded in agreement. “The people are the true power in Manzimor. Not House Finardsil or the Aeglire.”
That paused me and my mind went into overdrive. “But what if I can’t make them like me?”
“You’re going to have to try. Be kind to them. Talk to them. Show interest in their lives. Bring them gifts. Entertain them.” The ambassador paused. “Try to take opportunities to show them your good intentions. Help them when you can. You need to be the light in their eyes.”
The Caid inclined his head. “You need to be the hope that they cling to.”
I swallowed hard, not sure if I could do what they were asking of me. But I had to try. For Midar. For Manzimor. For the innocent people who would suffer in a war.
I took a deep breath. “I will do my best.”
The Caid and ambassador both stood up and flanked me on either side. The Caid placed his hand on my shoulder. “That’s all we can ask for.”
Their hands felt heavy on my shoulders, but I didn’t mind. It was a sign of their faith in me. And I would need all the faith I could get to pull this off.
The first step would be to meet with Prince Maedras and try to make him... not hate me. And then I could start working on winning over the people.
Uncle Mehdi leaned against the wall and rubbed his forehead. “Remember, you are not in a weak position.”
Surprised, I looked at him. “What do you mean?”
“You are the future crown princess. Use that to your advantage.”
The Caid pinched the bridge of his nose. “The Elves put a lot of emphasis on bloodlines. Use that to your advantage as well. An attack on you would be an attack on the House of Finardsil. You are a neutral and unknown force in the Eternal Court. Make sure you keep that position.”
Uncle Mehdi took a step closer. “You have the potential to disrupt them in a way that they can’t ignore. They will try to control you, but as long as you don’t let them, you have the advantage.”
The ambassador nodded in agreement. “It is true. You have the potential to be a great asset or a great liability. It all depends on how you play your cards. Stay neutral. But don’t back down when pushed. It will make you look weak. Weakness is deadly.”
“I understand,” I said, feeling more confident now that I had a plan.
“Excellent. Then we are all in agreement.” The Caid looked at us. “Thimsal, you will be our reminder to the Elves.”
“I will do my best to make you proud.” I bowed my head in respect. “Thank you for your advice. All of you.”
“You’re welcome.” The ambassador regarded me compassionately. “I will be at your disposal if you need anything.”
“That’s more than I expected.”
An advantage. I had an advantage. I could do this.
“It’s the least we can do. Try to follow Elvish traditions as much as possible, but don’t ignore your background.”
