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Bitter tears welled up in my eyes, but I forced them back. Darith was right. This was a political marriage, and I needed to make it work. For the sake of Midar, and for the sake of my people.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “But that’s not what I want. It’s better not to love than to love and lose.”
Love in a place like this was nothing but a cruel joke. And I wanted no part in it.
“Love is always worth the risk,” she said. “But it’s not something that you should force. It will come when you least expect it.”
“Love for your family, your friends, and Manzimor.” I huffed as we reached the top of the stairways. “That’s what’s important. That’s what I need to focus on.”
“And one day, you will find someone who loves you for all of those things.” She smiled knowingly at me. “And more. But until then, don’t close your heart off to the possibilities. Who knows? The love of your life could be right under your nose.”
What an Elvish way of looking at things. True love was for children’s stories. But her words stayed with me, and I thought about them long after she had left.
Could she be right? Was it possible to find love in the most unlikely of places? Thinking about the courtiers, and their cold, calculating ways, I doubted it. Who wanted to love someone like that?
∞∞∞
My heart pounded in my chest, and my hands were shaking. My first public appearance as a crown princess needed to go perfectly. Darith helped me get ready, choosing a dress that was both simple and elegant. My hair was pulled back from my face in a soft cascade of curls.
I looked like a princess, but I didn’t feel like one. Instead, I felt like a fraud. I had to visit the beginner artisan exhibition because I was the one who insisted on it. It was a political move, and I knew it. But that didn’t make it any easier.
All eyes turned to me as we entered the hall. Darith warned me that this would happen, so I was prepared. Their gazes lingered on me, and I looked back at them with a serene smile on my face. It surprised me to see excitement and hope in their eyes. They were looking at me as if my presence was a sign of good things to come.
Despite the importance of craftsmanship in Elvish society, their society remained rather cliquish and elitist. It was impossible to rise to the top without patronage. And my presence meant that they had a chance of being noticed.
I walked through the exhibition, stopping at various stations to talk to the artisans. I asked them about their work and offered words of encouragement. I could tell that they appreciated my interest. And as I talked to them, I saw their work in a new light.
It wasn’t just about the final product. It was about the passion and skill that went into it. I could see the pride in their eyes, and I knew they had put their heart and soul into their creations.
It was a humbling experience, and it made me realize how much I took for granted. These artisans worked hard to perfect their craft, and I was in awe of their dedication. As we walked around the hall, I felt my nervousness fade. I was no longer the center of attention, and I could relax.
I enjoyed myself, and I even laughed. The artisans were all so passionate about their work, and it was contagious. We entered one tent, where a young woman was displaying ear cuffs. I saw the excitement in her eyes after she told me she was a new artist.
“Your work is beautiful.” I admired the delicate silverwork. The mixture of gemstones and silverwork was exquisite. “I can’t believe you made these.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” She blushed with pleasure. “I’m just glad that people enjoy them.”
“I’m sure you’ll be very successful,” I said, meaning it. “You have genuine talent.”
She smiled at me, and I could see the gratitude in her eyes.
I touched a pair of earrings, admiring the intricate design of the vines. “Where did you learn to make jewelry?”
“My father is a master jeweler,” she said as she neared me. “I grew up watching him work, and I always loved it. I’m so glad I can finally share my work with others.”
“You should be very proud of yourself.”
She bowed her head. “I am. The magical aspect is challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.”
My eyebrows raised in surprise. “Magic? You use magic in your jewelry?”
“Yes, of course,” she said with a surprised smile. “All artisans do. Let me show you.”
She placed the pair of ear cuffs I had been admiring on my ears. I felt a tingling sensation, and they started to shine.
I gasped.
Darith held a mirror up to me, and I saw that the light was coming from the ear cuffs. They fitted the shape of my ears perfectly. They looked like they were made for me.
