#almiel

Silmarien is close to both of her nieces, and shares their concerns about Aldarion's behavior. She has a lot of influence on them, and they love and respect her. Silmarien is also an important figure in the life of Ailinel's son, Soronto; she watches him grow up and spends a good deal of time with him. When he shows an early interest in politics, she takes him under her wing and mentors him. He's intelligent and committed and a quick learner, and she hopes he will end up in a position of influence, likely as a member of the Council of the Sceptre. When the possibility arises of him inheriting the throne, Silmarien feels he has the potential to be a better king than his uncle or grandfather. 

She has a lot less confidence in her niece. In Silmarien's view, Ancalimë has had a questionable upbringing that has left her far too headstrong - she spends too much of her energy on petty concerns, and her actions are too often dictated by contrariness. Silmarien sees too much of both her parents in her (Aldarion's fixation on his own desires, Erendis' lack of tact, and both of their unwillingness to compromise). 

Silmarien has also gotten used to having the ear of the king; Meneldur trusts her judgement a lot, and Aldarion respects her despite their disagreements. She knows Soronto will also listen to her advice, but more than that she has a great deal of confidence in him, and trusts him to rule well even without her help. On the other hand, Silmarien knows she won't be able to have much influence over Ancalimë, and she doesn't trust her niece to do a good job.

(Side note: we know that before the law of succession changed, the heir to the throne after Aldarion was not Soronto but Malantur, a cousin who was the nearest descendant of Elros through the male line. When the law changed, Soronto, the son of the king's sister, moved into the line of succession. Under the new law, he would inherit the throne from Aldarion only if Ancalimë refused to marry.