Put that down, it's not a toy

Adaria smirked, then shrugged lightly. It’s easier to dismantle them when there is already so much distrust amongst them. Besides, she did not spend her time at Court for nothing when it was in session. Back then she had endured the parties and social preening for one thing, and one thing alone. Their weak minded defences against her probing. Adaria might have seemed disinterested in the flattery and attempts at conversation, focusing on a puzzle or book when approached, but she was gathering and sifting through the thoughts and intentions of those in the room. The little people knew of her magic, the better, and her reluctance in showing off unless necessary, cultivated the masses opinion that she deferred to her father’s youthful temperament.

My hand is the least of their concerns currently. I’m still considered a child, despite being old enough to wed, happily a woman of leisure and study and not important, yet. Oh they would regret underestimating just how far her reach went. Reform was the only way forward if they were to survive after what Elgar’nan had left them with. Reputations in tatters and potentially every neighbour was an enemy, waiting for them to fall, Gio had struggled to put out the fires threatening to engulf their homeland.

We might not need to plant any rumours. Reminding them of their past grievances could be enough to fan those flames. Adaria sighed, taking another sip of her tea. Grudges are dangerous things, they run deep and can tunnel one's vision. Like revenge sometimes, it could swallow a person entirely, change and warp them or help establish a strength they didn’t quite understand. Not true strength, but sometimes hate would win.

She chuckled at his admission, the playful charm giving way to a moment of sincerity. Adaria smiled, reaching over to pat the arm closest. There are few who know me, the real me. Most compare me to my Father, or Mother, siblings, past Campana’s… You recognise my Father in me, but acknowledge that I am more than him, her, I have my own mind. Sighing, she went on. I have never had many friends, and you I count among them. If you have the same need of me, I will answer, I have no intention of abandoning those dear to me, dear to Antiva’s chance of redeeming itself.

Watching him stand, Adaria set her tea aside to take his hand in hers, squeezing them gently. As short as it was, it is always a delight when you visit me, Zevran. One day, soon I hope, we can actually enjoy each other's company longer, undecided by the selfishness of others. Giving his hand a final squeeze, the Princess bid him good day and left him to leave himself out. The moment the shadows appealed to him he’d now doubt be gone, even before crossing back out the threshold of her aunt's estate.

~FIN

@Zevran Arainai