The Drow Queen of Glaley [Very NSFW]

[NPCs]

"That is a form of power," Feythal acknowledges, "if a painful, costly one. And the prices to be paid are not merely yours."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Would you recommend elsewise?"

[NPCs]

"Personal power must never be neglected, but no one person has the ability or time to gather all the power and skills needed. So it would be wise to not treat your allies carelessly."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"What allies?" it's bitter, and half under her breath, like she's unaware she said it out loud. 

[NPCs]

"Your wives and husband perhaps?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Husband, perhaps. But my wives? When have they lifted so much as a finger in my aid? No. Everyone here, as in Alessa, is out for their own gain."

[NPCs]

"Estelle has done a great deal to aid you," Feythal corrects her.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Has she?"

[NPCs]

"She has. Did you really think the lack of noble intrigue aimed against you was natural? This plot should have been one of a dozen, at least, were it not for Estelle's efforts at shielding you. And then there is the favor she spent to ensure even I would not know about the contents of those talks you have to someone in Nyra so often."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"That... is more a favor to her than the other way around," she points out. "Regardless."

[NPCs]

"You would not have minded those conversations being overheard?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I would have preferred not to have them at all."

[NPCs]

"Hmm." Feythal studies Coquette, intrigued by the hints given just now. Still, that's a digression. "Regardless, she has been protecting you since you arrived."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Me? Or her own branch's reputation?"

[NPCs]

"A reasonable theory, but one not borne out by reality. The degree to which she has acted to protect you has harmed her reputation, as it implies that her wife married someone in need of such protection." Feythal pauses, a thin smile appearing briefly. "I had begun to think such myself until this little event."