The Drow Queen of Glaley [Very NSFW]

[NPCs]

"Six months," Koji says simply.

[Shiori]

Shiori pales. "Surely there's something we can do. Surely at that point the Emperor will allow us a stay of execution, until the babes are born."

[NPCs]

"I've been asking for mercy for over a year now," Koji whispers, eyes closing. He looks utterly exhausted suddenly, his mask dropping, at least a little, at least for the moment. "I've been asking for that in particular since you arrived."

[Shiori]

"I can... I can go to court. I can beg. Or... or seduce him. Something. Anything, for the family." 

[NPCs]

"Anything except holding your tongue with allies, mmh?"

[Shiori]

"Abusers and rapists shouldn't be our allies in the first place. You think he'll stick his neck out for us when we need it?"

[NPCs]

"I think he might have, before today," Koji snaps. "I am aware of his flaws. I am also aware of many of his levers."

[Shiori]

"His flaws," snarls Shoiri. "My sister, the sweetest, kindest person you'll ever meet, lives in Caina because of his flaws." The use of the specific layer of the Hells, the one most dedicated to torture, just goes to show how tormented Shoiri really is over her sister's treatment. 

[NPCs]

"It is not as bad as you make it out," Koji protests, slashing the air with one hand. "Yes, her husband is a cold and not particularly caring man, but he is a Tiger, not a Snake. I will admit to worry about their... customs regarding pregnancy, but the Tigers spare no expense in regards to medical care."

[Shiori]

"Medical care," she snorts. "yes, after they beat and rape her, they heal her body to hide their sins."

[NPCs]

"She agreed-- no, she in is the one that sought the match out in the first place! She knew what the house of Tigers was like and she chose to go, for her family's sake."

[Shiori]

"She was not. The Tigers have been stalking us for years, waiting to pounce. They were kind and showered both my sisters with gifts, until they were happy to do their duty to the family -- and then once she was wed they abused her."

[NPCs]

"As if you would know," Koji says dismissively. "You've been gone for a decade, Shiso-- ori. You have no idea what's happened to the family, what we've had to--" He cuts himself off, scowling darkly. "Enough."

[Shiori]

"And you have no--"

[NPCs]

"Enough!" Koji shouts, then flinches back when Jass steps up behind Shiori with a predatory smile. "Enough," he says more calmly, though just as finally. "Are you a Cicada or not? Yes or no, Shiori."