JUNIPER
you think i'm happy because i'm smiling,
but it's the easiest thing to do
At first, Juniper's face relaxed a little as she listened to Nephele speak, noting the passion in her voice despite Nephele's attempt to restrain it. No, Nephele wasn't trying to trap or trick Juniper -- she sincerely believed her words. Of course, Juniper had known that; if not, a Fae never could have uttered them. But she also knew her people often dealt in half-truths. Only hearing that intensity, nigh desperation, in Nephele's voice could have convinced Juniper to trust her.but it's the easiest thing to do
But as Nephele continued, that bitter little smile rose to Juniper's face again. She decided to be totally honest, not just Fae-enforced honest, to lay all her cards out on the table. "You do not think I will possess a sense of bitter responsibility? I am already struggling against my feelings. It makes me bitter simply to know that you came to me because of my grandfather. Just because my reservations are more personal than ideological does not mean they do not exist."
Juniper leaned forward, but didn't take Nephele's hands. "I can imagine another reason to choose me for the job, however. You must know that many of our people will hate whoever facilitates our close union with the humans. But me -- I am used to being hated, am I not? What loss is it if they hate me a little more?"
What loss is it to you? Juniper meant, because she'd spent her entire life trying to make sure her people didn't hate her any more than they had at the moment of her birth. But ... that hadn't exactly made her happy. Maybe it was time to try something different.
Juniper settled back in her seat, sighing. "I can see that you have a point. Our people need a diplomat, and while I don't consider myself particularly suited for the job ... I can't name any better-equipped, either.
"I will ask you one last time to reconsider whether I am truly the Fae you want. You should know that bringing me in will only taint your new queen with suspicion -- a suspicion you already invite simply by reaching out to the outsiders. But if you truly believe that this is the best path for our people ..."
Juniper let herself trail off, unable yet to say what she'd intended to end the sentence with: then I will do it.
if you looked a little closer,
you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too.
you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too.
