“The one in the center of the lake, when was it created?”
The seamstress hums in thought. “I’m not rightly sure. It’s always been in Quinnar. Perhaps by the second or third Human Queen.”
One of the first five queens—someone whose journal I’m missing. “If it’s that old, how are the details still preserved?”
“I believe the Elf King tends to it.” She motions back to the center of the room. “May we resume, Your Majesty?”
I go back to the pedestal, mind whirring. The sculpture was an early creation, when the throne was young and the memory of the first queen was fresh. Is there a meaning hidden in it? Or is it truly just to honor that early queen? Those questions lead me to wonder what it might actually be depicting… Is it the creation of the Fade, or redwood throne, perhaps?
My thoughts continue to spiral around what I’ve read in journals, searching for a link to this revelation of the statue’s true nature. I might be reading into it too much. But I must find a way to break the cycle. That’s the only solution. If I don’t, Midscape will be in danger.
Then, I return to Capton and everything I’ve ever wanted.
But what do I want?
“What do you want?” the cheery seamstress echoes my thoughts.
“I’m sorry, what?” I blink back to reality. She motions to the table of fabrics.
“For your dress, Your Majesty. What do you want? Silk, or velvet? Or perhaps chiffon? I think jewel tones for your complexion but I want to make sure I incorporate your opinion. After all, a woman’s natural beauty is enhanced best by her own confidence.”
She would lay an egg if she knew that what would enhance my confidence best would be a sturdy pair of canvas trousers and some kind of breathable shirt or tunic that I didn’t mind getting absolutely filthy.
“I trust your judgment,” I say, finally.
Her face falls slightly. “Are you…are you sure? Is nothing I brought to your liking? Because if it’s not I can—”
“No, they’re wonderful,” I interject. I hadn’t meant to offend her. “Let’s see…” I step down to run my hands over the fabrics, settling on one as light as air. “This one, whatever color you think is best, but this one.”
“Oh, fae-spun silk.” She practically purrs as she runs her fingers over it. “You have good taste, Your Majesty.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” I laugh. But a thought crosses my mind at the mention of something being fae made. “I hear the fae are good craftsmen.”
“The fae are skilled at their looms, yes. But the elves are the best craftsmen in the land.” She preens.
“Oh, of course. On my side of the Fade there is nothing more valuable than elf-made goods.” I smile and she continues to relish in my praise. I’m hoping I have her enough off guard to seize another opportunity. “I’ve heard a good deal about the things fae can make…especially things for celebrations.”
“Like faerie mead?”
“And more, I’ve heard.” I’m not sure how to approach this casually and can already tell I’m overplaying my hand.
A shadow crosses her face, but she brightens it with a forced smile almost immediately. “You honor us all that you’re taking an active interest in all the inhabitants of Midscape.”
“It is my role as Human Queen.” Just when I’m about to give up on learning anything more about glimmer, she surprises me.
“I’m not sure what you heard, Your Majesty…” The seamstress keeps her head down, writing notes in a ledger she brought. “But I…”
“You?”
“It’s not my place.” Her pen pauses.
“Please, tell me,” I encourage. “This is still a new land to me. I have much to learn.” Not a lie in the slightest.
“I would suspect you might have heard something of the like from the young prince Harrow.” I don’t need to confirm the fact; my silence is enough to prompt her to continue. “Please be careful, Your Majesty. Those of us in the cities have seen the prince’s recent…dalliances. Especially since the arrival of the fae delegation.”
“Such as?”
She shakes her head. “I shouldn’t have said anything. Forgive me, Majesty. Please, if you might…if in your immense kindness you spare mentioning I said anything to the king?”
“I assure you I won’t,” I say hastily, trying to put her at ease. “But I do need to know as I am living in the same castle as Harrow. Please, tell me if there’s anything I should be aware of?”
“I don’t know anything more.” She shakes her head and I leave