AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Another tactic. Compliment the other person to disarm them. I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or annoyed.
“I suppose there is more to it than that,” he said finally. “But for now, let us just enjoy each other’s company.”
“This place is beautiful.” I bit my lip. “But it’s also lonely.”
He nodded. “Yes, it is.”
I glanced at him. “So, what are you going to do about it?”
What do you want from me?
He turned to look at me, his eyes searching mine. “I sought you out for a reason. I found a solution to your problem.”
I lifted my eyebrow and his lips quirked up in a small smile.
“And what problem is that?”
“I thought about your request and I found a solution. Have you ever heard of the Royal Funds?”
I leaned back and crossed my legs. “I’ve read about it. The royal family can sponsor projects without political repercussions.”
“Yes, that is exactly right,” Prince Maedras said. “House Finardsil is a neutral force in politics. We don’t take sides, but once a year we allow each member of the royal family to sponsor projects of their choosing.”
This allowed them to make statements and support causes they believed in, while starting no conflict. And it would allow them to let their voice be heard by the people.
“I see,” I said. “And you want me to work with the Royal Funds?”
Organizing and administering the finances of the Royal family would be a daunting task, but I was up for the challenge. Soft power was just as important as hard power, and the Royal family had both in abundance.
“No, I’ve granted you early access. You will receive a stipend from the royal treasury to put towards your projects.”
I blinked. “That’s generous of you.”
Very generous and unexpected. Another tactic to disarm me? Or was he sincere in his offer?
“You’re welcome,” he paused for a moment, then added, “But I want you to remember people will watch your every move. Be careful how you use this power.”
Well, so did my neighbors and aunties in Midar. People seemed to be the same no matter what station in life they had. Even the royal family was bound by the watchful eyes of the people.
I nodded my head. “Of course, I’ll be careful.”
“I believe you will.” He stood up and from a bookshelf, he retrieved a small box. “This is for you.”
I accepted the box. It was heavy for its size and when I opened it; I found it full of documents. “What is it?”
“A token of my appreciation,” he drawled as he neared. “I’ve assembled information for you on the Royal Funds. I hope it is useful.”
Did he plan for us to meet like this? Because that suggested that everything that just happened had been planned. The idea terrified and exhilarated me all at once. That type of intellect and manipulation was rare and dangerous.
But I couldn’t back down now. Not when I had come so far. Opportunities like these didn’t come along often.
And maybe, just maybe, I could use this opportunity to make a difference.
I grabbed the documents and scanned through them quickly. My eyes widened as I realized my stipend included eight numbers. That was more Gaeldens than University Al-Fihri received every year. Logically, I knew House Finardsil was rich, but this was unreal. How much spending money did the other members receive?
“Thank you, Prince Maedras,” I said again, this time with more feeling.
All that money and I didn’t know what to do with it. But I would figure it out.
