The Drow Queen of Glaley [Very NSFW]

[Coquette Blacquin]

The ruler is always the sword the previous ruler sharpened. Or are we not, in the end, the blades our parents make of us?

"Yes, Grandmother." She stands, giving her pretty curtsey, and waits as her grandmother departs. 

[Claudia Emerison]

"What just happened?" Claudia blurts out plaintively, eyes still massive and glassy. 

Mouth twisting in a grimace, Estelle mutters, "Grandmother decided to help." By her tone, she isn't entirely appreciative. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

"It seems we are to be wed," says Coquette, her tone clipped, unhappy. 

[NPCs]

"But-- I'm-- I don't--"

"It's rare but entirely within law and tradition," Estelle cuts in, voice firm but empty of any personality whatsoever. "The marriage between the two of you has very little impact on-- on previously existing bonds and pacts." Reaching into a pouch at her waist, she pulls out a scroll, offering it to Coquette after a brief hesitation. "It's a typical marriage contract, at least for one between two Enclave nobles. The only two exceptions are a pair of clauses near the end. The firsts stipulates that any-- any children born from your union are to be brought up under the protection of Familiga Emerison and taught their traditions. The second is an absolute prohibition against sexual dalliances outside the bounds of marriage for the span of five year." She only falters twice the entire time she speaks, despite the tears slowly running down her cheeks.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"This marriage or all our marriages? I am wed to Zevran, legally, and I understand that the two of you are wed."

[NPCs]

"It's non-specific," Estelle confirms quietly. "You would be permitted to indulge with your husband as you like."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"And secondly, in your culture, does the fact that I am already pregnant mean that my child will be considered born to our union?"

[NPCs]

Estelle opens her mouth, then pauses, brow furrowing. "I am... actually not entirely sure. I think so, yes. The child would absolutely be part of the Familiga but I am uncertain whether," the next word is new to Coquette, but by context, she assumes it's a pronoun referring to the baby, "will count as a child of your marriage with Claudia. I will look into it for you."

[Coquette Blacquin]

And you will have to give up the lovers that hurt Claudia so. Not that you will, of course. Not if you're anything like your aunt. And I have reason to believe you are. "I see. Thank you for clarifying." 

[Claudia Emerison]

"What does this mean for us?"

Estelle flinches, pain and regret flooding her face for a split second, gaze fixed on the floor. "It... doesn't have to mean anything in particular," she says quietly. "But it could," she adds just as Claudia had started to sag. "If... It could. If... It's enough of a change in-- in the status quo that it... It could."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Please clarify," says Coquette, tone too even. What is she saying? Grandmother said that Claudia is my primary wife, and Estelle's, while each other are only each other's secondary wives -- but which wife is Claudia's primary? Grandmother didn't specify. They are probably assuming Estelle but.... 

[Claudia Emerison]

Tensing, Estelle's head comes up and her shoulders square as she cloaks herself in dignity and pride. "Nothing that conc--"

"Estelle... don't. Please."

The drow woman pales, as much as she is able, and she swallows thickly. "Claudia, there's no need to... to..."

But Claudia is already shaking her head, arms wrapped around herself. "No. I already fucked up once, I don't want to--" She forces herself to glance at Coquette, but can't make herself keep the eye contact for more than a few seconds. "I was dumb and prideful and didn't talk to you. I won't do that again. I couldn't take--" Her voice cracks and her words vanish as she fights back sobs. She doesn't notice Estelle's aborted step towards her, the way she forces her hand down from reaching out.

[Coquette Blacquin]

Coquette clears her throat, glancing toward the door to the inner room wherein Zevran sleeps. I should tell him about this, but... what exactly is going on here? "Do you two need... some privacy, or...?"

[NPCs]

"No," Estelle says before Claudia can say anything. "No, that is-- In fact, I think perhaps I should depart. To-- to allow the pair of you to discuss this new development." The drow muster a fragile smile, already backing towards the door.

[Coquette Blacquin]

Coquette watches her go for a moment, then turns back to Claudia. "Are you... alright?"