The Silver Queen [AU]

[GamesMaster]

"Do you intend to kill yourself?" he asks bluntly.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"N--" she begins, but has to swallow the syllable. "I would prefer having him do it," she admits. 

[GamesMaster]

"But if he will not kill you, you will end yourself?" he presses, further. "Have you tried before?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

Backed into a proverbial corner, she hangs her head. "I..."

[GamesMaster]

"No." he growls. "If you aim to destroy yourself, then by definition you are not and cannot defend yourself. You are brave and clever, and your husband hurt you badly. You need my protection."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I... I have the right to choose," she whispers, trembling as she closes her eyes.

[Tethras Clan]

"Everyone needs someone to growl for them," Zevran says softly, a hard-eyed redhead glaring at him protectively in his mind. "It is a gift, a blessing and not something to throw away for pride or fear."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Then you may growl at my corpse," she says, her voice cold. "I cannot... I cannot allow a monster to live."

[Tethras Clan]

"Then slay the monster and save the woman," Zevran says simply. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

"There is nothing left," she whispers, passionately. "There was a voice in my heart, telling me to do what is right, but he has been quieter and quieter, and he has been silent since-- since. You have come too late."

[Tethras Clan]

"Then find a new voice. It can be done. I have lived with hundreds of slaves, rescued dozens. I know the... levels of broken. You are far from unsavable, Coquette." Zevran looks at her, eyes gentle but firm. "It will be hard. Terrifying and painful. But it can happen. I will help. Vigile will help as well, I am sure."

[Coquette Blacquin]

She flinches at her name as though it were a whip lash, bowing her head. "As you like," she whispers, much of the fight going out of her. 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran paues, noting the flinch and the timing of it. "...what name do you prefer?" he asks slowly.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I... I have no right to-- I have had many names, and none of them feel quite..."

[Tethras Clan]

Thinking of his first love, Zevran smiles. "You have every right to whatever name you wish to claim. If none from your past fit who you are now, then pick another. But don't let shame or chains keep you from a name you wish."