2. Leader

"Remind me, Jasmine. Why did I agree to this?"

"Because—" Gingerly she sets her bracelet aside. "—Mother would have wished it. As I do."

"Still, this—" Jeweled rings join with a series of plinks! "—seems unnecessary."

"Baba, how can we lead our people without knowing them?" she insists. "You need to see. And be seen, as you are. Royalty creates distance, blinds us from our kingdom's troubles. Its beauty." A subtle veil frames her face. "Royalty makes us fools."

However, as her father swaps silk for linen, his gaze is warm. "No, dearest, I'm pretty sure that's love."


A/N: I'm not sure "veil" is the right garment in this context, but my google search failed me. If anyone has a better suggestion, feel free to let me know.