Chapter Twenty-Five #2
“Princess Marielle.” Yep. Queen Valdis’s voice could have cut glass.
“I have attended diplomatic functions across twelve kingdoms over four decades. I have heard every tired court orchestra playing the same predictable repertoire, suffered through countless mediocre performances by musicians selected for their connections rather than their talent.”
She paused, letting the silence stretch.
“What we just heard was authentic artistry. It was unique, culturally significant, and executed with genuine skill. If you cannot recognize the difference between authentic excellence and generic court entertainment, that speaks to limitations in your own education rather than deficiencies in our hosts’ choices. ”
The rebuke was public, devastating, and absolutely deserved.
King Orwyn’s face had gone red. “My apologies, Queen Valdis. My daughter sometimes speaks without proper consideration…”
“Clearly.” Valdis turned back to her wine. The dismissal was complete.
Marielle looked like she’d been slapped. Several other delegates were hiding smiles. Finn’s hand found Darragh’s under the table, squeezing once.
Darragh stood, drawing attention smoothly back to the front of the room. It was time for his welcoming speech - words he and Finn had worked on together, revising until they felt right.
“Honored guests, welcome to Safe Harbor. We’re grateful you’ve chosen to join us for this year’s World Council summit.
” He paused, letting his gaze move across the assembled delegates.
“This summit represents months of careful planning and preparation. I want to acknowledge the extraordinary work of my husband, King Consort Finn, whose organizational skills and practical problem-solving made this gathering possible.”
Finn looked surprised. They’d discussed Darragh mentioning him, but Finn had argued against it, claiming it wasn’t necessary. Darragh disagreed.
“When I married Finn, my advisers had concerns. He wasn’t traditionally trained for court life.
He didn’t have the typical background of a royal consort.
But what he did have - what he has - is something more valuable.
Authenticity. The courage to be himself in a world that often rewards pretense.
” Darragh found Finn’s eyes, held them. “He’s taught me that competence comes in many forms. That practical skill matters as much as political maneuvering.
That partnership means combining different strengths and perspectives, not demanding conformity. ”
The hall was silent, every delegate listening.
“Safe Harbor has always been a practical kingdom. We build boats, we trade, we work with our hands. Some view that as provincial.” Darragh let a slight smile show.
“We view it as honest. What you’ll experience during your visit is Safe Harbor as we truly are.
We have no intention of pretending to be some refined court, but rather we plan to showcase the authentic culture and friendly hospitality that define us.
” He raised his glass. “To authenticity. To partnership. To the courage to be exactly who we are.”
“To authenticity,” the delegates echoed, raising their own glasses.
The applause this time was equally warm and sustained.
Darragh caught several delegates looking at Finn with what appeared to be new respect.
Queen Cressida was beaming. Even Queen Valdis offered a small nod of approval.
Princess Marielle looked furious, but her father was clapping along with everyone else, his expression thoughtful.
As the meal progressed, Darragh noticed delegates approaching Finn between courses to engage him in conversation.
Not the stiff, formal exchanges Finn had dreaded, but real discussions.
Queen Cressida asked about his carpentry work.
Emperor Shen wanted to know more about the summit’s organizational structure.
King Dimitri was curious about Safe Harbor’s boat-building traditions.
Finn answered each person honestly, with the same warmth and gentle humor, regardless of the title of the person he was speaking to.
By the time the evening concluded, the atmosphere in the hall was relaxed and everyone was clearly having a good time.
Delegates were laughing, trading stories, and already building the connections that would make negotiations smoother.
As they walked back to their rooms, the harbor breeze cool against their faces, Finn spoke quietly. “I think it’s actually working. They’re seeing Safe Harbor for what it really is.”
Darragh squeezed his hand, warmth flooding through him. “They’re seeing us for what we really are. And that’s exactly what we wanted.”
“Queen Valdis destroyed your embroidery princess.”
“Would you feel I was being mean when I say that was deeply satisfying to witness?”
Finn laughed. “I shouldn’t enjoy it this much.”
“I give you permission to enjoy it exactly this much.” Darragh draped his arm over Finn’s shoulder as they climbed the stairs. “You were magnificent tonight. Confident, authentic, and your own perfect self.”
“I was terrified.”
“I couldn’t tell, and I doubted anyone else could either.”
“Good.” Finn glanced at him. “Though I might need you to remind me that I was magnificent again tomorrow. And possibly every day for the rest of the summit.”
“I can arrange that.” Darragh pushed open the door to their chambers. “In fact, I could start right now.”
Finn’s smile was slow and warm. “That has to be the best offer I’ve had all day.”