As inductee, Ram was toasted with champagne and asked to personally speak to everyone in attendance. While he was busy, Elora saw an opportunity to have a word with the prince who was, in his own right, handsome as any fairytale ever imagined in his kilt which was probably his uniform for official state occasions.
She knew she might have only a couple of moments to talk without being overheard.
"Your Highness," she began, "I'm Elora Laiken, proud spouse of the honoree."
Up close she could see that the dark blue in his eyes was coupled with shades of violet. They were so unusual she may have stared just a second too long.
With a smile he said, "I well remember seein' you in the pub last night."
"Was that just last night?" She looked genuinely surprised and he laughed. "Is it difficult for you being here to honor an elf?"
The prince's smile didn't falter, but he seemed to be trying to judge what she might be after. "No' at all, madam. Like many of my contemporaries, I believe 'tis time to put our differences aside. So far as I can tell, it serves no constructive purpose. In short, 'tis silly to continue for the sake of continuin'. But, if I see that in a headline on the morrow claimin' to quote me, I will deny it 'til the Highlands look level."
"I'm pleased to hear your progressive views on the subject. I vow your secret is safe with me though I must add that, if everyone keeps their more abrasive views secret, nothing ever changes."
The prince pursed his lips and nodded. "A good point and well said."
"These contemporaries who share your views were not with you at the pub."
"'Tis true. You caught me sneakin' out on my miscreant night." Elora had to laugh. "Boys from school who can be a little rough after a few pints."
The young prince had an engaging way about him. "It's been very nice to have this talk. I will try to get my husband to reexamine his position on the feud." The prince's lips twitched when she said the word feud. He was thinking that only an outsider could so minimize the past thousand years of elf and fae at war with each other. "And I will also work on my esteemed brother-in-law from the inside."
"Esteemed. A cautious compliment I would say." Torquil's eyes twinkled.
Elora laughed. "You've met him?"
The prince shook his head slightly. "Certainly no'. Let us say I have heard he is no'... a lot of laughs." They both shared a chuckle at the expense of the King of Ireland.
"Perhaps you could begin to ease your own reservations about the status quo into the discussion in your household as well?'
"'Tis a good plan and certainly I enjoy a conspiracy as much as the next prince, but my elders are no' showin' signs of bein' moved either in their political views or away from the throne. 'Twill likely be a long time fore I am king.
"If I may ask, though, what is your mate's position on this question?"
"He's never spelled it out as such, but, the night I first met him, he turned red in the face and turned over a chair at dinner because he thought I was calling him a fairy."
The prince looked serious. "Were you?"
She smiled. "It was an error of innocence. I come from a culture where everyone knows a collection of stories by the name fairytales. Something about that was mentioned."
"I see. And he was much offended."
Elora nodded. "Well, one step at a time then?"
"Always a sound policy."
"Meanwhile, do you think I can trust that my young sister-in-law will be safe in your country? She's the one over there who could almost challenge my husband for good looks."
The prince regarded her with amusement as if to say, "I know that you know and you know that I know. The question is does she know that you know what I know?"
"Fae's gods I pray 'tis so and 'tis no' said casually." He looked past Elora to where Aelsong was talking to guests and stealing glances at him. Sensing that Elora might prove to be a valuable and trusted ally, he leaned a little closer to her. "'Tis most unfortunate that I can no' see to it personally. Tragically so, as a matter of fact. One of the problems with your traditional approach to diplomatic relations is that diplomacy takes a very long time."
"Forgive me for saying that is a youthfully impatient remark, your Highness."
"Oh, aye," he laughed. "And how old be you, Madam?"
She patted her tummy and smiled. "Old enough to be someone's mother. Soon."