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The overall effect was one of grandeur and sophistication. But hints of her personality showed through as well. The titles on her bookshelves revealed she was well informed about international affairs, and the tapestries on the walls depicted various scenes from nature.
“This room is a beautiful reflection of your majesty,” I said. “It’s stately, but also very warm.”
“Thank you, my dear.” She pursed her lips. “And how often have I insulted you by the placement of my trinkets?”
I looked around the room, trying to see what she meant. There wasn’t anything out of place, as far as I could tell. It was the first time I was here.
“I don’t understand.” I forced a polite smile onto my face as I looked around. “Everything seems to be in its proper place.”
“And that’s the problem.” She sighed. “You think, but you do not see. I’ve placed things in this room to test your observation skills.”
I carefully looked around the room again. And I saw what she meant. The books on her shelves weren’t arranged by title, but by international disasters. The tapestries on the walls were not of bucolic landscapes, but scenes where nature was fighting back. Even the paintings were not of her in repose, but during negotiations or other trying times.
The symbolism was clear to me. She viewed me as hostile. As an inferior. Not worthy of the title enemy.
“You’re testing my ability to see beyond the surface.”
“In Elvish culture, observation is key.” She lifted her hand, and the gold rings on her fingers shimmered in the light. “It’s how we make sense of the world. And it’s a skill you will need to hone if you are to be successful in court. The way someone decorates their chambers can tell you a great deal about what they believe and how they think.”
“Isn’t that contradictory?” I asked. “To have such an elegant room, but with hidden messages? Especially if their guests can see them.”
But it wasn’t. Didn’t we, Midarians, not do the same? Be indirect in our communication? And it’s often the unspoken messages that are the most important.
“It’s not contradictory.” She set her hands on the table, palms up. “It’s a way of sending a message without saying a thing. And it’s a skill you will need to learn if you want to be successful in court. Pretty words mean nothing if you can’t back them up with actions. My grandson told you wished to learn more about court culture?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Grandma,” she corrected me. “I will teach you. But first, you must prove to me you are worthy of my time.”
I leaned back and observed her. This was going to be more difficult than I thought. “And how do I do that?”
“By showing me you can think for yourself,” she said. “Observation is one thing, but analysis is another. What do you wish to accomplish during your stay?”
“I had hoped to learn more about the inner workings of the court. And to make a difference.”
“A noble goal.” She nodded. “But one that is not easily accomplished. The Eternal Court is a place full of politics and intrigue. It’s a dangerous game, and one you must be very careful about playing. Especially because you are an outsider.”
My body tensed. “I’m fully aware of that. But I’m not afraid of a challenge.”
“I hope not,” she said. “Because if you’re going to make a difference in this world, you’re going to have to be brave. You weren’t born in this life, but neither was I. And I have made a difference in my way. But it hasn’t been easy. There are always people who oppose change, no matter how necessary it might be. Learn to deal with them.”
I looked down and smiled. “The history books implied you were quite successful in court.”
They called her the Queen of Intrigue for a reason. Cunning, quick-witted, and always one step ahead of her opponents, she was the most powerful woman in court. And she used that power to make changes that improved the lives of the people. The Queen of Intrigue, but also the Queen of Hearts.
“I was.” She smiled. “But it’s not the entire story. There were many times when I failed, and many times when I had to compromise. But I never gave up, and neither should you.”
She stood up and motioned for me to follow her.
“Where are we going?”
“To the library,” she said. “I want to show you something.”
People looked up as we walked through the halls, but no one dared to approach us. The Queen Mother had that effect on people.
She moved closer. “They’re wondering why I’m spending time with you. And they’re wondering what your motives are.”
Her voice was clear, and the courtiers looked the other way.
