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“That sounds lovely.”
A genuine smile appeared on her face. “Yes, when my position was more established, I could also help in other ways. I sponsored artists and musicians. I set up libraries, and I made sure that there were books available for everyone. People could learn and grow in this environment. And I think I succeeded. There are many ways that you can be useful, and you will find your niche, just like I did.”
First, establish yourself, then help others on a political level. It was good advice, and I knew I would never forget it. But it wasn’t advice I could use right now. I needed to establish myself among the people, which meant I had to involve myself in helping others through political means.
“Does my niche need to be a craft? Craftsmanship is vital to the Elvish culture and I don’t want to accidentally offend.”
She smiled bemused and took a sip from her tea. “No, not necessarily. It would be unorthodox, but there is no reason you couldn’t do something else if that is what you are passionate about. There are many ways to serve the court and to make a difference. You just need to find the one that is right for you.”
I nodded my head. “I will try my best.”
It would need to help the common people, that was certain. And it would need to be something that I was good at. But what could that be?
“I know you will.” She smiled. “Now, let’s get started, shall we?”
∞∞∞
Turning around the corner, I stopped when I saw Prince Maedras whispering in the ear of a lady with sea-green hair that reached her feet. The light from the window turned them both into silhouettes, but I could still see the prince’s hand on the small of her back. I knew I should move, but the way he looked at her made my heart ache. My father looked at my mother the same way. It was the look of a man in love.
It reminded me of the poem that my mother used to read to me, about the two lovers who were forced apart by an angry sea. No matter what the cost, they would find each other. And eventually, they did. But the poem always made me sad, because I knew it wasn’t always possible in real life.
But maybe, just maybe, if two people loved each other enough, they could overcome any obstacle.
This was the infamous lady Kanna, and I was the angry sea in this tale.
They looked like they came from a story. She was beautiful and ethereal. With her willowy frame and delicate features, she looked like she belonged in a fairy tale. And I was the villain who was trying to keep them apart.
I swallowed hard. I knew I should look away, but didn’t. The scene transfixed me.
The prince leaned in close and whispered into her ear. She giggled and blushed. And then she grabbed his hand, but he gently pulled away. His body was tense, and his expression pained.
I swallowed and turned away. This moment wasn’t meant for me. It was private and intimate. I had no right to witness that.
I walked away from that moment, feeling like I intruded on something special. Something that I would never experience myself. Would I ever find love like that? Someone who would look at me the way my father looked at my mother, or the way Prince Maedras looked at lady Kanna?
And as I walked away, I couldn’t help but wonder if my mother’s poem was true. Could two people find each other again, no matter the cost? I wondered if they could overcome the obstacles to be together. They would find a way if they truly loved each other.
Was I destined to be alone forever?
I glanced at the happy couple. They didn’t know I existed and were lost in their own world. How cruel to love someone so much, and to have them love you back, but never be allowed to be together.
A light touch on my arm brought me out of my reverie. Darith stared at me.
Concern etched her face. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” I forced a smile on my face. “I’m fine.”
“Their love is forbidden, and they can never be together. But that doesn’t mean that you will never find love. There is someone out there for you, I promise.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I knew she was right, but it didn’t make the ache in my heart any less. To love someone so deeply, and to know that you could never be with them… It was a pain that I would never wish on anyone.
We walked on the stairways. A marble balustrade ran along the edge, and below us was a sheer drop to the ground.
“How do you know?” I asked her.
How could I possibly find love when I was to be wed?
“Because I found my true love.” She smiled. “And I know you will find yours, too. This is a political marriage, nothing more. Do not think there’s no happiness to be found here. Because there is, if you’re willing to look for it.”
