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“Likewise.” I returned her smile. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
Darith nodded her head and left.
Calida chatted away happily, talking about her parents, her hobbies, and anything else that came to mind. She was very easy to talk to, and I relaxed in her company.
“I’m sorry. I just get so excited when I meet new people.” A blush spread over her cheeks. “I hope I wasn’t overwhelming you.”
“No, not at all,” I assured her. “I enjoy your company. You’re very easy to talk to.”
She looked down. “I was a little worried that you might find me boring.”
I leaned back in my chair and placed my hands on the table. “Not at all. I find you quite refreshing.”
Her eyes lingered on my hands. The henna was still clearly visible. “Thank you.”
“So, how long have you been in court?”
“Almost three years now,” she said. “My parents thought it would be a good idea for me to learn about the political world, in case I ever had to take their place.”
I tilted my head. “And do you like it?”
Her face took on a dreamy expression. “Very much so. I know it’s not as glamorous as some people make it out to be, but I find the work interesting. And the people here are like family to me.”
An interesting way to describe it. But being a blood royal, I understood why she would think that. Royalty and power often went hand in hand. “You’re very lucky, then.”
Her face sobered, and she looked at me with a seriousness that I wasn’t expecting. “Yes, I am. But it’s not all fun and games, you know. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with being a princess.”
“How old are you?”
She seemed young. The way she talked, the way she acted. I couldn’t believe that she was old enough to be involved in the political world.
“I’m 150,” Calida said.
Only an adult for thirty years, and already so accomplished. It was a wonder her parents let her come to court at such a young age.
Impressed, I nodded. “You must be one of the youngest people here.”
“I am.” She chuckled as she looked down. “But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I find people are more willing to listen to me because of my age. They think I’m more open-minded.”
That revealed something interesting about how the Eternal Court functioned. The Elves here were so old that they might be set in their ways. It made sense that the younger generation would have more influence.
“I can see how that would be an advantage.”
“The same will apply to you,” she said. “As the newest member of the court, people will be curious about your opinions. You have a fresh perspective that they might find valuable.”
I considered her words. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
“It’s true,” she said. “You should take advantage of it.”
That would lead me to a path I didn’t want to wander on. I had to be careful about what I said and did. I didn’t want to make any enemies here. My neutrality was my biggest boon.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She received a half-smile from me. “I still have a lot to learn.”
“You wouldn’t say that. Everyone has been talking about you. You’re the talk of the court.”
That caught my attention. Maybe Calida wouldn’t mind sharing some gossip with me. “What are they saying?” I asked, leaning forward.
“Oh, all sorts of things.” A coy smile appeared on her face. “But mostly good. People are interested in you because you’re the first Midarian to join our ranks in centuries. And because of your… political agenda.”
