Persephone watched as Imeeya absorbed her advice. It was clear that the young woman had not attempted the strategy that Persephone was offering - one that she used only with certain politicians. It was true that to play the fool all of the time would only serve to injure or damage an on-going reputation of capability. But occasionally a woman came across one of the stronger sex that refused to accept that capability no matter how apparent it was made to the world around them. It was then that Persephone liked to employ the characteristics of a confused child; one that unhelpfully pointed out all errors in such a man's plan or schemes with innocence and open confusion. One that spoke only in the most simplistic of terms in order to illustrate just how flawed another's political suggestions were. Those within the room that knew of Persephone's sharp mind would understand the technique utilised and her reputation remained intact. Whilst those who saw her only as a child did not alter their opinions but knew to come to the discussions next time with a more solid plan that was not so obviously in favour of their own coin purses.
"It is not a strategy to be used at all times." Persephone assured the young woman. "But in the worst-case scenarios when one will not accept an idea from a woman... pose it not as your own." Persephone had, on many occasions, voiced an opinion under the pretence of hearing her father mention such a plan, or encouraged another noble to come to the conclusion of an idea that she wished to be instigated through careful questions that led him down the thought process that she had already taken. It was long and arduous a plan but then so was convincing those who believed that women did not belong in politics of such an idea's merit. "My mother always used to say that a true leader must rule without ego. That it does not matter who is credited with an idea, only that such an idea is good for the kingdom and its people. Women especially must rule with humility."
Persephone smiled a little at the notion, remembering her mother as she had said such things, before she aided the Lady Imeeya in returning the last of the books to the shelves. Such volumes, upon the ruling of the Dimitrou dynasteia were carefully placed in date order by the Colchian, whilst the Athenian passed up each tome to her standing new friend. When all was said and done and the tomes, parchment rolls and clay tablets were returned to their appropriate places, the Lady Imeeya excused herself politely from Persephone's company. Persephone offered a nod of permitted dismissal - not that she was a Queen here - and made a quiet comment of farewell.
"Perhaps we shall speak again on the matter. My thanks, Lady Imeeya." And as the young woman left the room, Persephone looked about herself at the completed work and felt a sense of completion possibly for the first time since arriving in Taengea. She had felt useful that afternoon...
Perhaps she would speak with Dorothea about lessons in archery and learn another skill that might see her feeling useful once more...
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