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He would probably be terrified.
“I used to visit Midar every 200 years.” She preened before the mirror. “But it’s been over 600 years since my last visit.”
That paused me. Even before the Hundred Year’s war, Elvish visitors became rare. There used to be small Elvish settlements or neighborhoods, but they all disappeared.
“Why haven’t you visited in such a long time?”
“I’m a furniture maker and I used to purchase the redwoods for my closets.”
“Why would you need redwoods for your closet?”
“They’re the best wood for wardrobes.” Her eyes widened. “But they only grow in Midar and it’s been over 600 years since I’ve been able to get any. The trees were almost all gone when I last visited. I’m not sure if there are any left.”
“But the redwood trees are plenty now.”
“Really?” Her eyes lightened up with excitement. “I would love to get my hands on them. Do you think someone would sell them to me?”
“You can contact ambassador Bennani. Trade is her specialty. I’m sure she could work something out for you.”
“Thank you, Your Highness!” she beamed.
“It’s my pleasure,” I said.
We bid the woman farewell and moved on. As we walked, Darith pointed out a few of the other tents and what they sold. There was a weapon smith, a jeweler, a tailor, and even a tent that sold magical supplies.
I thought back to the interaction I had with the woman at the dressmaker’s tent. More trade missions needed to be sent out. There was so much potential for trade and commerce between our communities. That would lead to better relations and understanding. I made a mental note to speak with ambassador Bennani about it when we got back.
“Do you see anything you like?” Darith asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yes,” I stopped in front of a tent that sold tapestries from Carthem. “I’d like to get one of these for my room.”
Chapter 12
Duty and Responsibility
The giant squid floated lazily in the water, its long tentacles undulating in the currents. I leaned my face against the glass of the hallway, my breath fogging up the surface. The eastern part of the Aeglire was at the bottom of the sea. The vastness made me feel insignificant. In the distance, I heard a haunting song, a selkie’s call, that sang of death and destruction. I didn’t understand the language, but the tone was clear.
Twinkling lights caught my eye, and I looked up. Bioluminescent creatures swam above me, their long fins trailing behind them.
As I made my way through the Aeglire, I continued to watch them. There were coral gardens and fields of kelp. I even saw a mermaid swimming by, her long hair floating behind her in the water. She looked up at me as I passed, and I saw the hunger in her eyes. Green and blue light played across her features, making her look otherworldly.
The underwater world entranced me. I didn’t want to leave, but eventually, I had to. But not yet. I turned my attention back to the squid and watched as it floated lazily about, its tentacles searching for food. I felt a pang of sympathy for the creature. It was so large and alone in the dark water. I wondered if it ever felt lonely.
“I never get bored with the sight,” a familiar voice said from behind me.
I turned to see Prince Maedras standing there, his hands behind his back. His gaze trained on the scene outside, a stoic expression on his face.
“I understand why,” I said. “It’s peaceful down here.”
“And quiet.” His eyes crinkled. “You can’t hear the noise of the world up here. It’s just you and the sea.”
He was right. The sea was vast and empty. It was easy to forget the rest of the world existed.
“Do you come down here often?” I asked and turned to look at him.
A faint smile appeared on his lips. “When I can,” he said. “It’s a good place to clear my mind.”
I nodded in understanding. It was a great place to escape court life.
