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He glanced away. “A traditional marriage, but I prefer your answer.”
My shoulders slumped. “You don’t want a wife who will obey you without question?” I asked, my voice laced with sarcasm.
He chuckled. “No. I don’t think that would suit either of us.”
I finally looked at him and smiled. “No. I don’t think it would.”
“What do you wish to accomplish?”
I saw the wheels turning in his head. He was already planning, plotting, and scheming. And I knew that I would have to be careful with my answer. “To serve our people. To better our people. We might differ on how we can accomplish this, but I think we can find a middle ground.”
“Indeed.” His eyes narrowed in thought. “I think we can.” He looked thoughtful for a second. “So, you’re not interested in being a figurehead?”
A figurehead for who or what? What did he think was going on?
“I would prefer not to. If it’s necessary, then I will do what is required of me. But I would much rather be working behind the scenes.”
Seagulls called to each other in the distance and the waves crashing against the shore were the only sound for a moment.
“I can work with that,” he finally said. “In fact, I think it would be better if you did. You’re smarter than most people give you credit for.”
“And you’re not as ruthless as people believe.” I countered.
He raised an eyebrow. “You think so?”
“I know so,” I said confidently. “You may have a reputation, but I can see the man beneath it. The one who wants to make this kingdom great, not for himself, but for everyone in it.”
He unclenched his jaw and smiled. “I’ve noticed lady Bennani has visited you twice.”
Once again, these games. I had to be careful how I played them. “Darith told me that there was no harm or taboo to speak with her. We’ve only spoken of my role and recent events.”
His smile turned strangely tender. “I was not trying to accuse you of anything. I see no reason you can’t continue your friendship with her.”
“Thank you,” I said, relief flooding through me. I had been worried that he would try to limit my interactions with her. “She’s been a great help to me. She brought me books and letters from home.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” He paused for a moment. “Is that why you were locked away? Calida was upset. She thought she had offended you.”
I shook my head and leaned against the railway. “No. I was just lost in thought and needed some time to myself.”
He nodded his head, understanding. “I sometimes feel the same way. This place can be overwhelming.”
I crossed my arms. “It is a lot to take in.”
“Darith, as your Second, will make sure that you can focus on the important things. She will help to shield you from the day-to-day politics and drama.”
I turned to face him. The wind caught my hair and whipped it around my face. “I would like your help with something.”
His posture changed, and he stood up straighter. “Of course, anything you need.”
I took a deep breath and steeled myself for what I was about to say. “I think a tutor or a daily schedule would be beneficial. I need to learn more about the Eternal Court and my place in it.”
“I will make sure it’s done,” he said immediately. “The previous married-ins didn’t have any trouble adjusting.”
The previous married-ins were Elvish nobility.
“I’m not them,” I said quietly. “I need time to learn and adjust. And I would like to contribute. I’m unable to do what people expect from me if I don’t know what these expectations are. And I’m sure there are many.”
He cocked his head to the side, regarding me intently. “That seems like a reasonable request. I’ll see to it you have a tutor.”
