Drabbles of life after 2 (Wheel of Time fanfiction)

WoTtober 2024 #15 NOBLE

"Do I really have to do this?"

Moiraine smiled, hearing this whiny tone Elayne let herself use in her presence. The young woman she now was might look almost like the girl from a year ago, but there was no denying that she had grown into a rightful and powerful queen, sure of her stance. And yet, she allowed her walls down for a moment. "Moiraine is right," Morgase said from Elayne's other side. "You need to face the nobles as soon as possible. And you have an expert on cairhieninn politics by your side now, so better to do this while she's here."

Moiraine chose not to dwell on this diplomatic suggestion and focused instead on the only important person.

"You'd do well to remember the cons for the future, Elayne. It makes things so much easier. Focus on one of them. I've heard lord Telmanes is a reasonable man, he should serve you well. Make sure the others see your preference, but don't make it overwhelming. They will bother you less if they are focused on fighting each other.

Elayne nodded, looked at the hall filled to the brim with nobles and their retinues. She took a deep breath and moved towards the door, but Moiraine stopped her.

"Those are Cairhienin nobles, Elayne, most of them false and backstabbing. They will try to undermine you. If they seem too unruly, don't hesitate to remind them that you're a direct descendant of queen Carewin. They will understand the threat well enough to come to heel."

"Incentives work better then threats."

"This is Cairhien, and those are its nobles. Trust me, you could change simple folk fast. Nobles are usually more stuck in their ways."