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“That’s a good idea.” Cook Marek nodded. “I’ll speak to lord Maeven about it tonight and notify lord Caes of our delicate situation.” Her face turned thoughtful before a hurt look crossed it. “This explains a lot. During banquets, I’ve often seen foreign dignitaries pick at their food and not eat much of it. I always assumed they were just being rude, but now I see that it’s because they didn’t care for the flavors. I only wonder why they didn’t approach us about it.”
I glanced at Darith, who nodded her head. “Diplomatic relations are delicate and no one wants to offend their hosts.”
“That’s very considerate of them.” Cook Marek scowled. “But I would much rather they speak up and tell me what they don’t like.”
I nodded. “I completely agree. But even I was hesitant to say anything. I didn’t want to be rude.”
“I appreciate your candor, princess,” cook Marek said. “And we’ll do my best to adjust the flavors of the food to your liking.”
“Thank you for your help, cook Marek. I’m sure you will do an excellent job with this.”
“It’s no problem, princess,” she said determinedly. “I’m just glad we can help.”
As we walked away from cook Marek’s office, Darith turned to me. “The Eternal Court is going to be very interested in this. Courtiers noticed the reluctance of guests, and this explains a lot.”
“I’m just glad I could do something,” I said. “It’s the least I can do after the hospitality of the Aeglire. I just hope they don’t make too big of a deal out of it.”
“The Kitchen staff will be discreet.” Darith smiled. “Even if they aren’t, this will benefit you. It allows us to improve our relations with other countries. Thank you, Thimsal.”
“Don’t thank me.” I nodded my head. “Thank cook Marek and lord Caes. They are the ones who will do all the work.”
“But you’re the one who brought it to our attention,” Darith said. “And for that, we are grateful.”
Why didn’t lord Maeven or others come forward about this? Surely they knew?
Chapter 9
The Gilded Cage
On the first day of the new week, breakfast was held in what Darith dubbed the “Gilded Cage.” It was a luxurious dining hall, with walls and floors of gold leaf and a ceiling that glittered with what appeared to be diamonds. Dozens of tables, also gilded, were set with the finest china and silverware. A full orchestra played softly in one corner, the melody drifting through the air like a gentle breeze.
The courtiers eyed us as we entered the hall. Rather than looking away, I met their gaze and inclined my head in greeting. Weakness would not save me here. I had to be strong, even if it killed me.
Some of them smiled back, while others simply looked away in disinterest.
Fashion revealed a lot about a culture, and the Elvish culture was no different. I knew the Elves for their love of elegance and luxury, and their clothing reflected this. But three other things stood out to me about their fashion.
The first was their necklines. They plunged low, often exposing the tops of their breasts and even parts of their stomach. It was a deliberate choice, one that was both alluring and attractive. At home, such a thing would be scandalous. Here, it was simply fashion.
The second thing was the way they draped their clothing. It was done in such a way that it hugged their curves, accentuating their figures.
Even the men’s clothing was designed to show off their muscular build. The colorful fabrics and intricate designs only added to the effect. Like exotic birds of prey, they were on display for all to see.
The third thing was the way they accessorized. The Elves loved jewelry and multiple rings on their fingers, bracelets on their wrists, and necklaces around their necks were not an uncommon sight.
As someone who loved visiting the gold stores in the Souk, I couldn’t help but be impressed by their taste. Even if it was a little excessive. Words I never thought would cross my mind.
Darith led me to one table where a sole court member sat. She had the same long, slender build as the other Elves, but her features were softer and more delicate. She wore a dress of blue and silver that was like the one I was wearing, except hers had a plunging neckline that exposed the tops of her breasts. A large gemstone glittered between them. Her ears were adorned with jeweled cuffs, and she had a necklace of silver and blue stones around her neck. She looked the same age as Souhir. Even younger, perhaps.
Glancing around, I noticed that everyone’s ears were fully covered by jeweled cuffs. I had seen nothing like it before. An interesting fashion statement. My ears felt naked with nothing adorning them.
“Princess Thimsal, this is Princess Calida Finardsil. She’s Prince Maedras’ fourth cousin.”
The daughter of the Governor of Aetrecht. The northernmost region of Manzimor. So that was why she looked familiar. Portraits of her hang on public buildings.
“Good morning, cousin.” She smiled warmly at me. “I’m so excited to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Familial relations were important in the Elven culture. They had a practice of referring to all cousins as “cousins,” regardless of whether blood or marriage related them.
