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He inclined his head in a small nod and then turned back to the window. A hippocampus flew by, its long colorful tail trailing behind it.
“I prepared a few interesting solutions for you. On page 56, you will find a summary. I hope it is helpful.”
I looked down at the paper and saw that he was right. There were a few ideas I hadn’t thought of before, but they all seemed sound. Most of the funds were assigned to local initiatives in Midar, while the remaining was split evenly between the major universities in Manzimor. It fitted my profile perfectly. My old profile, anyway.
The new me needed to use this power for something more. Something bigger.
“I thought you would like to use the money to better your home.”
Once again, that dangerous distinction between Midar and Manzimor as a whole.
“Thank you.” I forced a smile onto my face. “But am I allowed to change the funds’ purpose?”
These funds could help me with my primary goal. To make the people of Manzimor adore me. Not only the Midarians and the academics.
He frowned. “Are you displeased with my choices? I can make more suggestions-“
“No, no,” I interrupted him. “I love the idea of helping Midar. But there could be other possibilities to consider.”
He raised his eyebrow in question. A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“There’s always room for change. I just wish to see what is available to me before I decide. That’s all.”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “Very well. You have my permission to use the funds as you see fit.”
“Thank you.” I gathered up the papers and put them back in the box. Then I hesitated, not wanting to leave just yet. I wanted to know why he was here. The true reason.
My hair blocked my vision, and I pushed it back with an impatient hand. His eyes lingered on my ears. It was the second time.
I touched them self-consciously. “Do you like my new earrings?”
He stiffened and then forced himself to relax. “They suit you. But there’s no need for you to uphold our customs. You are not bound by them.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?” I touched the silver leaves, tracing their outline.
His cheeks flushed, and he looked away. “I hadn’t realized you didn’t know the meaning behind them. It’s just- in our culture, showing your bare ears is inappropriate. Intimate, even. It’s not something that is done in public.”
Intimate? The word sent a shiver down my spine. Intimate in the sensual way or the familial way? I wasn’t sure, and I didn’t want to ask.
He looked back at me, and our eyes met. “But you don’t have to worry about that here. No one will judge you.”
I touched my earrings again, feeling self-conscious. I thought they were just pretty accessories. His eyes lingered on my hair and I had the sudden urge to cover myself. Was this like showing too much cleavage in Midar?
“Thank you,” I said after a minute. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“People rarely show their ears to others except to their beloved.”
Intimate. The word echoed in my mind, and I fought the urge to cover my ears. Showing weakness was not something I did. Especially not in front of him.
I frowned. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
Why did Darith not tell me?
“Intimacy is different among all races. We can’t expect you to know everything about our culture.” His voice was gentle and his eyes softened. “Outsiders aren’t expected to do the same.”
Outsider. Princess of Midar and not of Manzimor.
“I wish to learn.” I swallowed hard. “I don’t want to make any more mistakes.”
